A man has been jailed after he slapped a nine-year-old girl as she walked to school with her sister.
John Jolly, 38, assaulted the young girl as he rode past the siblings on a bicycle.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the unprovoked assault took place in Adderley Close, Bestwood, at around 8.30 am on 7 March last year.
The slap left a red mark on the pupil’s face, and Jolly rode off laughing.
After bursting into tears, the victim and her sister continued walking to school, where they reported the incident to teachers.
Nottinghamshire Police were informed, and officers immediately went looking for the offender.
Jolly matched the description provided and was arrested at approximately 10.40 am, having been spotted opposite a convenience store in Beckhampton Road – a short distance from where the assault took place.
He denied any involvement in his police interview, but was charged after police gathered compelling evidence against him.
The siblings had told officers that prior to the assault, they had heard a man shouting for a woman to “open the door”, and that the same man carried out the assault.
Officers spoke to local residents and retrieved Ring doorbell footage that captured the shouting, with analysis finding it matched Jolly’s voice and Essex accent.
The clothing worn by the man in the footage also matched the clothes worn by Jolly when he was arrested.
CCTV retrieved from a bus operator also placed Jolly in the area of the assault at the relevant time, with the footage showing him on a bicycle matching the description provided by the two sisters.
Furthermore, an identification procedure led to Jolly being identified as the attacker.
Jolly, of Colville Street, Nottingham, went on to plead guilty to common assault.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on 23 January, he was jailed for 145 days.
PC Amelia Newman, who led the investigation, said:
“Quite how anyone could approach an innocent child and assault them in this manner is simply beyond comprehension.
“This has had a profound impact on both the victim and her sister. Amongst everything else, they have lost their independence as they no longer walk to school with their friends.
It was also incredibly distressing for their family, who supported them through the investigation.
“To make matters even worse, Jolly refused to take responsibility following his arrest. It was only when presented with compelling evidence that he pleaded guilty, meaning the girls were thankfully spared having to give evidence in court.
“The bravery of the victim and her sister was remarkable throughout.
“I am pleased the judge saw fit to impose a custodial sentence on Jolly and hope the two young sisters and their family are able to take some comfort in knowing that his horrible crime has landed him behind bars.”
