MICHAEL FOUBISTER SHOCKS THURSO WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AT COMMERCIAL BAR

A man identified as Michael Foubister, aged 45, narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after committing a serious sexual assault at a pub in Thurso. Instead of prison, he was sentenced to perform 300 hours of unpaid community service and ordered to pay his victim, who was visibly distressed and tearful after the incident, a compensation sum of £2000.

The assault took place on October 29, 2022, inside the Commercial Bar in Thurso. The court heard that the victim, known only as Miss X, had initially attended a birthday celebration in Wick, where she was dressed in Halloween-themed fancy dress. Later that evening, she found herself at the Commercial Bar along with two friends, and they sat together at a table. It was during this time that Foubister, who was sitting nearby, committed the assault.

According to the prosecution, Fiscal David Barclay, a witness seated opposite Foubister observed his hand moving towards Miss X’s leg but was unable to see the full extent of the assault due to the positioning of the table. Foubister was overheard making remarks about what he had done, which drew attention to his actions.

Following the incident, Miss X approached a former teacher who was sitting at a nearby table. She expressed that she had been bothered by Foubister but did not initially disclose the details. The former teacher then took her outside, where she revealed what had happened. Witnesses described Miss X as being very distressed, shaky, and crying. Despite not knowing Foubister personally, she was able to identify him from CCTV footage that confirmed his presence in the bar at the time of the assault.

When questioned by police, Foubister, who resides at The Yard, Hallum Road, Forss, admitted to the assault, stating, “Yes, it was me, I thought it was consensual.” However, during a subsequent interview under caution, he responded with a