Man Jailed for Seven Years After Sexual Assault and Falsely Claiming to Witness Crime in Essex Car Park

A man has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a woman and then falsely claiming to be a witness to the crime. Mateusz Nowaczyk, 21, received his sentence on Thursday, October 31, after the incident that took place in the B&M car park in Parkway. He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by penetration.

The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. when Essex Police received a report of a woman being assaulted. The victim was pushed to the ground and sexually assaulted by a man wearing a hooded jacket and gloves.

While the woman was on the phone with the police, she was approached by Nowaczyk, who inquired about her well-being and offered assistance. When police arrived, Nowaczyk falsely claimed that he had seen the assailant fleeing the scene and had heard the woman screaming for help.

Initially regarded as a significant witness, Nowaczyk’s story quickly unravelled due to the diligent work of detectives from the Serious Crime Directorate. Later that same day, he was identified as a suspect and arrested.

CCTV footage revealed Nowaczyk wandering the area for several hours during the time of the assault.

A search of his mobile phone indicated that he had conducted searches related to sexual assault and had accessed resources from the National Sexual Violence Resource Centre. Subsequently, he was charged with sexual assault by penetration and perverting the course of justice.

Nowaczyk appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 30, where he pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge. The charge of perverting the course of justice was ordered to be laid on file by the judge.

During the sentencing hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 31, Nowaczyk was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.

Following the sentencing, the victim expressed her gratitude to the police and everyone involved in bringing her attacker to justice. “This has been a horrific time in my life and has impacted my family, my relationship, and my mental health,” she said.

“I spent a long time blaming myself for what happened that night, but I now know it wasn’t my fault. Women shouldn’t be ashamed to come forward about sexual assault because it’s not their fault. Please do not live in fear or sit in silence. I am not a victim; I am a survivor.”

Detective Chief Inspector Antony Alcock commented on the case, stating, “The predatory behaviour of Nowaczyk, who sexually assaulted a stranger, is not something that is reported often. Our fast response reflected the serious and rare nature of his offence. Early inquiries quickly highlighted inconsistencies in his account and an element of fantasy in what he told officers. That work uncovered and unravelled his lies.”