A Night of Horror: Drunken Assault Shocks Married Man
On March 15, 2024, a married man in Buckinghamshire faced a terrifying ordeal when he woke to find 38-year-old Marie Le-Mar, a stranger, assaulting him in his sleep. The incident led to Le-Mar’s conviction and a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for multiple offenses, including causing a person to engage in non-consensual activity, assault, common assault, and attacking a police officer.
The victim, sleeping separately from his wife due to snoring, was initially confused in the dark room. Prosecutor John Farmer told Amersham Law Courts that the man briefly mistook Le-Mar for his wife as she tried to escalate the encounter. However, when Le-Mar, heavily intoxicated, fell off the bed, the man turned on the light and was horrified to discover a drunken, unclothed stranger.
Le-Mar, who was staying nearby while away from her partner, had consumed excessive alcohol before entering the victim’s room uninvited. The man quickly informed his wife, who called the police. Before officers arrived, Le-Mar threatened the wife with violence, saying she would “knock her f***ing teeth out,” heightening the family’s distress. When police attempted to arrest her, Le-Mar resisted and kicked an officer in the chest.
Le-Mar pleaded guilty but claimed she could not recall the incident due to her intoxication. Her defense attorney, Derek Johashen, argued that her actions were uncharacteristic, citing her difficult childhood starting at age seven and her struggles with alcohol and drug abuse as a coping mechanism. He stressed that Le-Mar had no prior similar offenses and was not a habitual offender, stating, “She was so drunk she fell from the bed.” Johashen attributed her behavior to her inebriated state rather than intent.
Judge Thomas Rochafard, however, emphasized accountability during sentencing. He noted that offenses against men are as serious as those against women, stating, “The act has gender-neutral terms to achieve equality.” The judge highlighted the victim’s vulnerability, particularly given his health concerns during the COVID-19 period, which compounded the trauma. Le-Mar’s abusive behavior toward the victim’s wife and the police officer further underscored the severity of her actions, which the judge described as deeply distressing.
The ruling serves as a reminder that intoxication does not excuse criminal behavior, especially in cases of assault. Le-Mar’s reliance on alcohol as a crutch was no defense, and her sentence reflects the legal system’s commitment to addressing such violations seriously. As she serves her time, Le-Mar has an opportunity to confront the consequences of her actions and her struggles with substance abuse.
This disturbing case underscores the profound impact of assault, regardless of the victim’s gender, and the importance of protecting personal boundaries. For the victim and his family, the trauma of that night remains a painful memory, a violation that struck at the heart of their home’s safety. The legal outcome reinforces that such actions, whether fueled by alcohol or not, carry significant consequences.