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A young woman, Bryony Piggin, had her life shattered after being sexually assaulted by a close companion following a night out. The incident left her feeling deeply hurt and betrayed by someone she once considered her best friend. Stefan Nikolic, the perpetrator, was convicted of assault by penetration and given a suspended two-year prison sentence by Recorder Simon Levene at Norwich Crown Court.
The attack, which took place in April 2023, occurred after Piggin and Nikolic had spent the evening out with other friends in Norwich. Piggin had allowed Nikolic to stay at her residence, only to wake up and find herself being assaulted by him. In the aftermath, Piggin expressed emotions of confusion, betrayal, and sadness, unable to comprehend how her trusted friend could betray her in such a manner. The assault had lasting effects on Piggin, causing her to struggle with anxiety and resulting in her abandoning her studies at Open University.
Despite Nikolic’s assertion that the encounter was consensual, the jury at Norwich Crown Court ruled in favor of Piggin, finding Nikolic guilty of assault by penetration. Giles Fleming, representing the prosecution, emphasized the ongoing trauma Piggin continues to endure even years after the assault. In her victim impact statement, Piggin disclosed the profound impact the assault had on her mental health, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a constant feeling of violation. The court acknowledged that prior to the incident, Nikolic and Piggin had shared a close bond, making the betrayal even more devastating for Piggin.
Recorder Simon Levene highlighted the misjudgment of the situation by Nikolic, considering their previously warm relationship before the assault. Despite acknowledging Nikolic’s lack of maturity, the court implemented a five-year restraining order against him. The profound impact of the assault on Piggin’s life serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting effects of such heinous acts of betrayal and violation
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