In 2026, the Offender Database reported that John Jolly, then 38, of Colville Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, was sentenced to 4 months’ imprisonment. On Friday, 23 January 2026, Jolly appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for a senseless and unprovoked assault on a nine-year-old girl.
The investigation established that on 7 March 2025, the victim was walking to school in Bestwood, Nottinghamshire, with her sister. Jolly was riding a bicycle past the siblings in Adderley Close when he stopped and slapped the young girl hard across the face. Following the assault, which occurred around 8:30 am, Jolly rode away laughing, leaving the child in tears with a red mark on her face.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
PC Amelia Newman emphasised that the attack had a profound impact on the victim and her sister, who have lost their independence and no longer feel safe walking to school with friends. The court reported that doorbell footage from the area captured Jolly shouting at people to open their doors shortly before the assault. Although he was arrested hours later, Jolly initially refused to take responsibility for his actions.
The prosecution emphasised that it was only after being presented with compelling evidence that Jolly entered a guilty plea, sparing the children the distress of testifying in court. The judge emphasised that approaching an innocent child and assaulting them in such a manner was beyond comprehension. For his crimes in Nottingham, the court determined that an immediate custodial sentence was necessary to address the alarming nature of the incident.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, John Jolly was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Four months in immediate custody.
- Conviction: Pleaded guilty to common assault.
- Arrest: Detained within hours of the incident on Beckhampton Road.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Jolly is now serving his sentence within the HM Prison Service. His history of unpredictable behaviour and the targeting of a vulnerable child mean his conduct will be monitored by authorities during his incarceration and upon his eventual release.
Authorities in Nottinghamshire state that the impact on the family has been distressing, and local officers remain committed to ensuring the safety of children on their way to school. Any further reports of aggressive behaviour or breaches of his post-release supervision in Nottingham will result in Jolly being returned to court for further action.
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