PASCAL MOLLIRE, HAVANT PHOTOGRAPHER, FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LONDON

A photographer from Havant has been convicted of sexually assaulting an aspiring actress during a photoshoot in London. Pascal Molliere, 55, exploited the woman in a warehouse in Fulham, west London, in July 2010. Jurors at Southwark Crown Court heard that Molliere initially behaved professionally, taking about 15 minutes of standard photos before locking the door and engaging in inappropriate behavior. During the hour-long shoot, Molliere kissed the victim and repeatedly groped her. The woman, aged 22, who had moved to London to pursue an acting career, had borrowed money from her mother to pay for portfolio images to promote herself. Prosecutor Tyrone Silcott explained that Molliere began with headshots but then took less appropriate photos, including shots from underneath with her legs open and touching her genitals. The victim left the studio in tears and confided in her boyfriend, who condemned Molliere as an 'abhorrent human' and threatened to contact the police if the photographer did not delete the photos and refund her money. The prosecutor recounted that after the photoshoot concluded, Molliere kissed the woman fully on the mouth, an action that made her feel sick. Mr. Silcott added that before the shoot, Molliere asked whether she preferred fashion or sexy shots, and she agreed to bring lingerie, hoping to build her modeling portfolio. The victim later decided to report Molliere in 2019, inspired by the #MeToo movement. Molliere denied all allegations, claiming the incident never occurred and asserting that the woman left the studio appearing happy. He also stated that he believed the couple had a falling out regarding the nature of the photographs after receiving a call from her boyfriend. After deliberating for two days, the jury convicted Molliere on three counts of sexual assault. The Havanta-based photographer is scheduled for sentencing on April 12. Pauline Curtis from the Crown Prosecution Service commented, saying: 'In his capacity as a professional photographer Pascal Molliere exploited a young woman who had just wanted a portfolio to help start her acting career. She did not consent to any sexual activity. The victim trusted Molliere, but that trust was abused while she was vulnerable.' She highlighted the bravery of the victim who testified in court and emphasized that sexual offenses are among the most complex cases to prosecute. Curtis added, 'I hope these convictions provide some closure for the victim and encourage others to come forward. The CPS remains dedicated to bringing sexual predators to justice, regardless of the time elapsed.'