Friend-Turned-Predator Assaults Woman Asleep in Her Home
Malcom Graham, 75, from Skegness Road, Stevenage, abused his friendship by sexually assaulting a woman while she slept in her own home back in 2018.
Victim Bravely Comes Forward
The victim reported the attack to Bedfordshire Police in 2019, sparking a thorough investigation.
“This was a predatory attack by a man who posed as a friend to prey on a woman in her own home,” said Detective Sergeant Amy Hawkes.
Denial Doesn’t Diminish Crime
Graham denied the assault was non-consensual, claiming, “she did not say no.” But Detective Hawkes explained:
“Consent means agreeing to what’s happening by choice and having the freedom to say no. Someone may feel scared or freeze, making them unable to consent – and that is still a crime.”
Support for Victims and Justice Prevails
Detective Hawkes praised the victim’s courage and her husband’s constant support, adding, “This case shows convictions are possible no matter when or who is involved.”
Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Bedford Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP), offer help and guidance to survivors of sexual assault and rape throughout investigations and beyond.
