A former Thorpe man has been jailed for a sexual assault on a 14-year-old boy.

Michael Neary, 55, of Orchard Street, Bury St Edmunds, who used to live in Frinton Road, was sentenced on Friday at Ipswich Crown Court following a three-day trial.

He denied indecently assaulting the boy and committing an act of gross indecency but was found guilty.

Neary was ordered to serve a two-year jail sentence.

During the trial, the court heard that the boy was watching the FA Cup Final at Neary's home, in Bury St Edmunds, on the afternoon of May 17 last year when the sexual assault happened.

Neary said the boy was in his house but nothing improper took place.

The court heard evidence from the boy's mother that within about 20 minutes of the incident, he went to her and was crying and upset.

She then went to see Neary, who approached the boy, who was sitting in a nearby car, and the boy "freaked out"

Published Monday July 19, 2004

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