The Telegraph reported on 30/8 that 44-year-old Samantha Williamson appeared in Poole Magistrates' Court on a sexual assault charge.
On 15/6/2024, Williamson had been drinking at a hotel bar in Christchurch, Dorset. She became intoxicated, argued with a man, and began verbally abusing other patrons.
Steven Kennedy and his wife were dining at the restaurant and attempted to help Williamson by offering to call her a taxi, which she refused. Williamson continued yelling for two more hours without intervention from the staff. She then climbed onto Kennedy’s lap and made lewd comments, prompting his wife to push her off.
Williamson knocked over drinks and candles, sending shards of glass flying towards Kennedy’s wife. Kennedy stood up and restrained Williamson to pull her away from his wife, and they both fell to the floor. Williamson then scratched Kennedy, drawing blood.
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Steven Kennedy restraining Samantha Williamson during the assault. Photo: Daily Mail |
Steven Kennedy restraining Samantha Williamson during the assault. Photo: Daily Mail
The prosecutor told the court that the Kennedys were in Dorset celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and Kennedy’s recent cancer remission. Their celebration was ruined by Williamson's actions.
"The victim had never met the defendant before and certainly did not want her sitting on his lap," the prosecutor said.
Williamson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault. Her defense attorney stated that she was "very remorseful" and "ashamed" of her drunken behavior. The attorney explained that Williamson struggles with "mental health issues" and has sought professional help.
The judge deemed Williamson's behavior serious but stopped short of imposing a prison sentence. She was sentenced to six months of community service, an electronically monitored curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and ordered to pay Kennedy GBP 1,000 in compensation.
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Samantha Williamson leaving court after avoiding jail time. Photo: BNPS |
Samantha Williamson leaving court after avoiding jail time. Photo: BNPS
After the sentencing, Kennedy stated that Williamson received a lenient sentence. He noted that police did not detain her but drove her home the night of the incident, charging her with sexual assault rather than assault causing bodily harm. "A man would never have walked free from court if he’d done what she did," Kennedy said.
Williamson, whose maiden name is Samantha Vaughan, won the "Face of the Year" award in 1998, launching her modeling career. She represented the UK in the 2003 Miss Europe competition, finishing in the top 12.
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Samantha Williamson on stage at the 55th Miss Europe competition in France in 2003. Photo: AFP |
Samantha Williamson on stage at the 55th Miss Europe competition in France in 2003. Photo: AFP
Williamson was previously married to a wealthy American stockbroker and became a model for Storm, the agency that represents supermodels Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne. After her divorce, she returned to the UK, remarried a restaurateur, but that marriage also ended. She has two children from her two marriages but does not have custody. Her most recent relationship was with a window fitter with a criminal record.
Tue Anh
