Trial starts for man accused of assaulting Irvine woman

Jury trial proceedings began Wednesday in the case against an Irvine man accused of breaking into a woman’s home and sexually assaulting her while she lay in bed.

Victor George Gillespie, 21, is charged with three felonies of sexual battery, burglary and assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense, according to court records.

On March 23, 2010, Gillespie is accused of entering a 24-year-old woman’s Irvine home at night through an unlocked sliding door and putting his hands down her pants.

According to prosecutors, the woman screamed and struggled to get away before Gillespie fled.

Officers then pursued Gillespie on foot after identifying him, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.

Gillespie was previously convicted for robberies in 2007.

Gillespie faces 35 years to life in state prison for the offense, if convicted, because it would be his third strike.

— Lauren Williams