MAN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED MCDONALD'S WORKER
A landscape gardener has been convicted of sexually assaulting a female employee at a McDonald's drive-thru by slapping her bottom as he was being served.During the court hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court, it was revealed that Karl Madden reached through his car window and the ordering kiosk to make physical contact with the teenage worker.
Madden, aged 48, admitted to the charge when he appeared before the magistrates.
Prosecutor Michael Embleton explained that the incident took place in December 2021 while Madden was in a vehicle at a McDonald's drive-thru on Teesside, accompanied by a passenger.
He said: "He made his way to the collection window, the victim was under 18.
She turned her back to the window." Mr Embleton said Madden, of Melrose Avenue, Billingham, then reached through his own car window and in through the window of the drive through kiosk.
He said: "He assaulted the victim by slapping her on her rear." The court was shown CCTV footage of the incident which showed Madden pretending to carry out the act and then actually slapping the teenager's bottom.
Mr Embleton said: "The victim said some cross words to the defendant, which is understandable under the circumstances." He said the teenager was so upset by the incident she could not carry on with her shift because she kept thinking about it.
He said: "This happened in the victim's work place, in front of colleagues and friends.
She was not only assaulted she has also been embarrassed." Ciara Smith, defending, said Madden had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and that he fully regretted his actions.
She said: "Mr Madden realises this behaviour is not acceptable in today's society.
He is fully aware of the impact this has had on the victim." Ms Smith said the probation report says they rarely see someone so remorseful as her client.
She said: "It does seem to be an isolated incident." Ms Smith said: "The defendant has expressed a wish to pay compensation to the victim.
He feels this is something he wants to do a way of an apology." Madden was given a 12-month community order with 25 RAR days.
He was ordered to pay £150 in compensation and a £95 victim surcharge.
