PERTH SHOP ASSISTANT CAUGHT ON CAMERA PERFORMING SEX ACT ON BLIND CUSTOMER
A young Perth shop assistant, Joshua Jerome, who engaged in sexual misconduct involving a visually-impaired woman shopping for presents, has been released from custody after the court heard that his prolonged use of pornography contributed to his unlawful behaviour.The 19-year-old, semi-professional skateboarder, was recorded exposing himself and groping the 62-year-old customer at the privately owned Shamanic store in Perth’s city centre.
He was unaware that the woman was secretly filming him with her phone.
In court, the footage was presented in camera, showing Jerome on his hands and knees under the victim’s skirt, performing a sex act while she was paying at the counter.
Jerome had previously confessed to sexual assault and voyeurism and appeared for sentencing.
The court learned he had quit his job and that his ambition to become a professional skateboarder was now impossible.
Sheriff William Wood condemned the offence as “abhorrent” and questioned what led Jerome to behave so badly in his father’s shop.
The court also heard from the victim, who expressed her distress and said the incident had caused her anxiety.
Defense lawyer Murray Macara KC stated that his client felt genuine remorse.
He described Jerome’s time in custody as stressful and mentioned that Jerome’s employment at his father’s shop, earning roughly £140 weekly, had immediately ended following the offence.
The lawyer highlighted Jerome’s skateboarding talent, which previously earned him sponsorship and the hope of turning pro, a goal now lost.
The defence explained that Jerome’s behaviour was influenced by heavy cannabis use, often to cope with skateboarding injuries, and the consumption of adult pornography, which he admitted led to desensitisation and objectification of women.
Court officials noted he had been smoking cannabis the day before the assault.
Sheriff William Wood indicated that the threshold for custody had been met and described the conduct as ‘repugnant’ but, given Jerome’s age and other factors, considered non-custodial options.
Consequently, Jerome received a six-month restriction order requiring him to remain at home from 7pm to 7am, 225 hours of unpaid work, and strict limitations on his internet and device use.
He will be on the sex offenders register for five years.
