Man convicted of sexual assault at Bournemouth 7s festival

A man who sexually assaulted a woman at the Bournemouth 7s festival has been sentenced.

23 year old Hamish O'Donnell, who's from Richmond in London, has been placed on the sex offenders register for five years, and given an 18 month community order.

He repeatedly approached his victim, a woman in her 20s, over two days at the festival in June 2022.

On one occasion, he grabbed and kissed her, without her consent, and later touched her in a sexual manner over her clothing, again without permission.

Security staff were alerted, and they detained him until the police arrived and arrested him.

Investigations officer Dean Smith, of Dorset Police, said:

“Hamish O’Donnell repeatedly approached his victim over a two-day period and made unwanted advances towards her, despite her clear indications that this was not welcome. He then blatantly ignored the victims’ requests and subjected her to a sexual assault laughing about his actions.

“I would like to personally express my thanks to the victim of this offence who has been courageous throughout and remained strong having to give evidence in court regarding this horrible experience. Without the victims support we would not have been able to convict O’Donnell, furthermore I hope this conviction provides other victims of horrid sexualised behaviours the confidence to come forward and report such matters to police.”

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