GATESHEAD MAN CONVICTED AFTER ATTACKING ANN SUMMERS STAFF WITH WHIP
A sexual predator named George Harrison, 56, grabbed a whip from inside an Ann Summers shop and struck a staff member on the bottom with it.The victim was left furious and crying out for assistance when this sexual assault occurred at the retailer, which specializes in lingerie and adult products.
The court was told that the staff member noticed Harrison behaving suspiciously, suspecting theft.
As Harrison reached up and seized a display whip, he then used it to hit the victim on the buttock, causing reddening.
The employee yelled for help, and Harrison was escorted out of the shop as police arrived.
Harrison, of Saltwell View, Saltwell, Gateshead, had previously appeared in Newcastle Magistrates' Court, where he entered a not guilty plea to one count of sexual assault.
The case was scheduled for trial, but he failed to attend and was convicted in absentia.
Later, he appeared in court in custody.
Harrison claimed during interview that he had struck the staff member with the whip by accident.
Magistrates postponed sentencing for a pre-sentence report and granted him conditional bail.
