Dartford woman sentenced after sexually assaulting man during unwanted embrace
A Dartford woman has been sentenced after sexually assaulting a man during an encounter that began as a hug but quickly crossed into deliberate and unwanted sexual contact.
The incident happened in January 2024. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was left shocked and uncomfortable after being touched without consent.
Thirty-four-year-old Taris Reeves appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on April 2 via video link from her home address. She had already admitted the offence in February.
Prosecutor Terry Knox told the court that Reeves approached the man, grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. While holding him, she moved her hand to his groin area and rubbed over his clothing before kissing him on the side of the neck. The court heard the man did not consent to any of the contact.
Knox said the behaviour was intentional and intrusive, stressing that Reeves had physically taken hold of the man before touching him in a sexual manner. The prosecution made clear the contact was not accidental or misread — it was deliberate and crossed personal boundaries.
District Judge Leake said Reeves would receive credit for her early guilty plea but raised serious concerns about her behaviour throughout the hearing. Reeves repeatedly interrupted proceedings, spoke over the court and ignored instructions to remain quiet, forcing the judge to intervene several times.
Addressing her directly, Judge Leake said she showed “little understanding of boundaries” and “no reflection of remorse” for the seriousness of the offence. He added that her behaviour on the video link only reinforced his view that she struggled with conflict, had difficulty managing interactions and did not fully grasp the impact of her actions.
The judge said he had reviewed extensive background information about Reeves and had observed her in previous hearings. He concluded that although the offence did not cross the custody threshold, it required structured intervention to address her behaviour, alcohol use and lack of insight.
Reeves was handed a 10-month community order. As part of the sentence, she must complete a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement and attend 20 rehabilitation activity sessions aimed at addressing her behaviour and decision-making.
She must also pay £200 in compensation to the victim and is now subject to a 24-month restraining order preventing any form of contact with him.
The court ruled that Reeves will repay her financial penalties at a rate of £20 per month.
