Jail for Mansfield man who sexually assaulted young woman and was inspired by online ‘Manosphere’ influencers
A Mansfield man who sexually assaulted a young woman and claimed his behaviour was sparked by macho “Manosphere” influencers on the internet has been jailed.
Robert Winter appeared beside his victim as she walked to the Market Place and began asking her name, where she lived and complimenting her on her appearance, on May 1, said Lottie Tyler, prosecuting.
His victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, thought he was intrusive and getting too close so put her headphones over her ears in the hope he would get the message.
But Winter, aged 35, continued to pester her and she began “shaking with nerves”. He touched her bottom and right thigh and tried to kiss her on the mouth.
She tried to pick up the pace and he followed her to the Market Place. Winter asked if he could stay with her and said he liked her style and the way she dressed.
His victim started crying and flagged down two Police Community Support Officers.
In a statement she said she was “extremely scared,” “the attention was totally unwanted,” and the impact would stay with her forever.
"In the past I could usually just brush this off,” she said. “I am now much more wary. When I see him in the town centre I feel on edge. I know what he is capable of doing.”
The court heard Winter has four previous convictions for 11 offences since 2025, and was last before the court for two assaults. He was serving a suspended prison sentence when this incident happened.
Winter’s solicitor said he believes his behaviour stems from his upbringing, which left him feeling too uncomfortable to interact with the opposite sex.
She said he got “sucked into” the “Manosphere” and was influenced by “be a man” attitudes.
"He has never had a relationship with a woman,” she said. “He thought nothing else was happening. He thought maybe women wanted him to be more aggressive.
“He very quickly tried to establish a physical connection which was obviously unacceptable.”
She said Winter has various conflicting mental health diagnoses and craves conection but is street homeless.
Winter, aged 35, care of Houfton Road, Mansfield, admitted sexual assault and breaching a suspended sentence order, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Thursday, September 3.
The six-month suspended sentence was activated and he was handed an additional two months for the assault. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation. He was placed on the sex offenders register for seven years.