JEDBURGH MAN JONATHAN FIELD ADMITS TO INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS AND BEHAVIOR AT LOCAL SPAR

A man from Jedburgh, Jonathan Field, has pleaded guilty to making inappropriate and unsettling comments to a young female shop assistant at a local convenience store. The incident took place at the Spar shop located on Lothian Road in Jedburgh on the evening of May 13. The court heard that the encounter left the 20-year-old employee feeling quite shaken and distressed.

During the hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Field's conduct was described by the authorities as 'utterly disgraceful' and 'incomprehensible.' This case is particularly significant given that Field is already listed on the Sex Offenders Register due to a previous conviction for a sexual assault at the Shell garage on Edinburgh Road in Jedburgh back in August 2016. As a result, the court decided to defer sentencing until November 27, pending the preparation of a Criminal Justice Social Work Report and an assessment for a Restriction of Liberty Order.

In the latest incident, Field, aged 28, pleaded guilty to charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner. The court was informed that he recorded the female employee on his mobile phone, made inappropriate comments towards her, and even kissed her hand. The court proceedings detailed that the woman was working behind the counter around 9:30 pm, alongside a colleague in the back office, when Field entered the store with a friend.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser explained that Field was a regular customer at the shop. On this occasion, he approached the counter and began flexing his biceps, asking the young woman to feel his muscles. She initially thought he might be intoxicated but was unsure. The situation escalated when Field’s friend arrived with alcohol, and it was observed that Field was filming himself and the employee with his phone, creating a selfie video. The woman noticed her image on the screen and instinctively raised her hand to cover her face.

During this encounter, Field made a disturbing comment, saying, 'If I could bend you over and spank you I would.' The court was told that the female employee felt uncomfortable and awkward, especially as her colleague told Field to stop, calling him 'a creep.' Despite this, Field kissed her hand and left the store with his friend.

Following the incident, the young woman was found in tears by her colleague in the staff toilets, where she described what had transpired. When questioned by police, Field admitted that he was 'quite drunk' at the time and claimed he was 'just joking about.' He also acknowledged that he did not think the employee was happy with his actions and expressed regret, stating he had taken things the wrong way. However, Prosecutor Fraser emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable, describing it as 'utterly disgraceful and incomprehensible.'

Defense lawyer Sophie Russell highlighted that her client was 'very remorseful' when sober and explained that alcohol often causes him to become loud and inappropriate. She acknowledged that the female employee would have been quite shaken by the incident. Sheriff Peter Paterson decided to defer sentencing to allow for further reports and warned Field about the potential consequences if he fails to control his behavior, especially after consuming alcohol.