A man, Sem Birch-Abban, who admitted multiple sexual assaults and exposure offences in Northampton has been given an indefinite hospital order.
On July 26, 2023, Northamptonshire Police received a report of Sem Birch-Abban behaving suspiciously around women at a Northampton supermarket, following shoppers before sexually touching two store workers.
An investigation was immediately launched which went on to link multiple incidents of sexual assault and one of exposure which had happened at different locations across Northampton on the same date, as well as an exposure offence committed on June 26.
Sem Birch-Abban, aged 27, was swiftly identified as the suspect and was arrested, going on to be charged with a total of 11 offences.
At a hearing at Northampton Crown Court, on October 16, Sem Birch-Abban entered guilty pleas to eight counts – six of sexual assault and two of exposure – which was accepted by prosecutors after liaison with the survivors of the three other offences.
On November 14, Sem Birch-Abban, of no fixed address, appeared at the same court for sentence, with an indefinite hospital order handed down under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983, following psychiatric assessment.
This type of order is imposed to protect the public from harm, with offenders only able to be released after consideration by the Secretary of State for Justice or the Mental Health Tribunal.
One count of outraging public decency relating to an incident at a casino in Northampton on June 30, 2023, where Sem Birch-Abban twice exposed himself, was ordered to lie on file.
During the hearing Sem Birch-Abban expressed remorse for his actions and apologised to his victims.
Speaking afterwards, investigating officer Detective Constable Paul Sanderson of CID West, said: “Sem Birch-Abban was unwell when these offences were committed, but that does not diminish the fear and revulsion felt by the women he targeted.
“The danger he poses to women and the wider community is reflected in this indefinite hospital order, and I hope that this gives him the help he needs, as well as offers reassurance that such persistent and concerning offending is taken very seriously by the police and the courts.
“I hope the conclusion to this case offers some closure to the women who bravely reported Birch-Abban and I would like to thank them for supporting our investigation through to this conclusion.”
He added his thanks to all those who shared information with the investigators, and especially to the many businesses which submitted CCTV.
This report and custody image have been released with the support of the survivors in this case. [Editor’s Note: Why would a survivor not want the criminal to be identified to others??]
Tackling violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police. Any form of sexual violence, abuse or harassment is unacceptable and we take reports of this nature very seriously.
Report non-emergency crime to us on 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency, always call 999.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.