Man jailed for sex with dead woman

Stephen Sellars, a 62-year-old man from Hibaldstow, North Lincolnshire, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for having sexual intercourse with a deceased woman. The offense, known as sexual penetration of a corpse, was brought to light when Sellars was interrupted by the woman's son and nephew during the act in her residence. Sellars pleaded guilty to the charge at Hull Crown Court on Friday.

The victim's son expressed that the incident had a "massive impact" on him and described the offense as "unimaginable," emphasizing that nothing could ever justify it. Upon hearing the details, Judge John Thackray KC stated that if the offense had occurred "less than a month later," Sellars could have been sentenced to a maximum of seven years in prison due to a recent law change. However, the judge reduced the maximum sentence to two years due to Sellars' early guilty plea.

According to prosecutor Rachel Scott, the woman had passed away at home after being diagnosed with cancer eight weeks earlier. The court heard that Sellars had been left alone with the victim for approximately 15 minutes before the son and nephew discovered him committing the offense. Sellars, reportedly feeling intoxicated, then dressed and fled the property.

Text messages exchanged between the victim's son and Sellars revealed that the defendant admitted to being "smashed" and not knowing what influenced his actions. In his interview with officers, Sellars denied the offense. The prosecutor highlighted several aggravating factors in the case, including the crime occurring in the presence of the woman's family, in her own home, and the significant abuse of trust involved.

Additionally, Sellars had taken steps to prevent witnesses from observing the act, such as bolting a gate, locking the door, and shutting the curtains.

Ben Donnell, Sellars' defense lawyer, argued that the defendant had not committed any sexual offenses since 1988 and had been a "good employee" throughout his career. Donnell requested that the judge consider suspending the sentence and imposing a community service sentence instead. However, Judge Thackray maintained the 16-month prison term and imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order against Sellars, the victim's son, and nephew.