A woman who was sexually assaulted by an Ipswich man has told a crown court of how “petrified” she felt during the attack. 

Before Ipswich Crown Court on Friday was Steven Waddy, of Reading Road in the town, who previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

The victim was cornered in a corridor by Waddy, 53, who kissed her arm, neck and breast and asked to see the woman’s bedroom despite her telling him she was married and trying to move away, the court was told.

The court heard a statement from the victim who said: “You took advantage of my kindness.

“I made you well aware of the fact that I was married and that I was not looking for a relationship.

“You obviously thought you could ignore the way you made me feel.

“You have instilled a fear in me I never thought I would have. I am constantly on the edge”.

She added that the defendant had robbed her of her peace of mind and her freedom to live a happy life.

“I have become a recluse. I now judge people before I get to know them.

“You seized that opportunity to attack me and force yourself on me. I was terrified to sleep that night.

“I was petrified you would come back later that night. I was terrified to stay on my own for fear this could happen again”.

The court heard Waddy lost his job because of the assault and is now living in a tent on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Judge David Wilson gave the defendant a 12-month community order.