MINDAUGAS VAITEKUNAS

A forklift operator responsible for sexual assaulting two female colleagues has received an 18-month prison sentence.

Mindaugas Vaitekunas, aged 44 and residing on Wisbech Road in March, held a supervisory, albeit informal, role at his workplace.

During this time, he engaged in inappropriate touching, made sexual comments, and assaulted the women.

The victims brought their concerns to their supervisor.

In July 2023, Vaitekunas was reported to the police concerning alleged sexual misconduct that took place between July 2019 and February 2022 at a factory located in Littleport.

According to police reports, the harassment began with daily sexual insults and inappropriate behaviour.

One victim recounted that while she was near a line of washed potatoes at the factory, Vaitekunas pressed himself against her and made a sexual proposition.

This incident left her feeling humiliated and anxious whenever she saw him.

She described Vaitekunas calling women “tramps,” “alcoholics,” and “degraders.” He also intentionally caused trips by sticking out his foot and then grabbing the women inappropriately when he “caught” them.

Despite the women warning him they would involve law enforcement, the misconduct persisted.

Vaitekunas denied two counts of sexual assault but was found guilty on August 27 after a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

The court sentenced him to 18 months’ imprisonment for each offence, to be served concurrently, and ordered him to pay £500 in compensation to the victims.

Additionally, he received a three-year restraining order and a 10-year police registration requirement under the Sexual Offences Act.

DC Daria Cusnir from the Prevention and Vulnerability Hub commented: “Such behaviour should never be accepted.

These courageous women did the right thing by reporting him.

I hope this sentence gives reassurance that this conduct must always be challenged and reported, and that nobody should have to endure such treatment.”