Man Grabs Woman in Park, Busted by Quick-Thinking Dog Walkers
A woman’s peaceful stroll through Dane Park turned into a nightmare on the evening of Tuesday, 7 December 2022. She spotted a man trailing her and tried to hide behind a tree. When she called her mother for help, Steven Palmer suddenly lunged, grabbing her from behind and pushing her to the ground.
Shocking Assault Interrupted by Eyewitness Heroics
Palmer began touching the woman inappropriately, sexually assaulting her. Luckily, another park visitor heard her scream and saw the attack. The witness quickly alerted a nearby group of dog walkers, who rushed to help.
- One dog walker used his torch to locate Palmer and the victim on the ground.
- He pushed Palmer away and confronted him.
- Palmer even tried to assault one of the men but was stopped from fleeing.
- The police were called, and Palmer was promptly arrested.
Justice Served: Six Years Behind Bars Plus Licence
The 45-year-old man from Sussex Avenue, Margate, pleaded guilty at 1 Crown Court to one count of sexual touching of a girl. An additional common assault charge related to one of the witnesses remains on file.
Palmer was sentenced on Thursday 11 May 2023 to six years in prison, followed by a three-year licence period. He’s also slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, keeping him under strict supervision.
Police Praise Community for Stepping In
“We believe that women and girls should be able to walk alone without risk of attack or abuse, and Kent Police does not tolerate violence against them. Steven Palmer’s attack was a frightening incident and we are thankful to those people that evening who noticed something wasn’t right, and intervened.” – Detective Lucy Clarke
“Their community spirit and swiftness to act has meant Palmer is now in prison and unable to pose a threat to anyone else.”
