DUMFRIES RESTAURANT OWNER ROBERT MCALEESE CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON FOUR WAITRESSES

The head of the well-known Little Italy restaurant in Dumfries has been found guilty of sexually assaulting four former waitresses, marking a significant and disturbing development in local criminal proceedings. Robert McAleese, aged 38, was convicted at Dumfries Sheriff Court and has now been registered as a sex offender, a designation that carries serious implications for his future and reputation.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Brian Mohan expressed his belief in the credibility of the four women who testified against McAleese. The sheriff acknowledged that the women appeared upset, frightened, and confused by the actions of the restaurant owner, which played a crucial role in the court’s assessment of the case. The conviction pertains to three separate charges involving three different waitresses, with the incidents occurring over a span from December 2012 to December 2013.

The court detailed the nature of the assaults, which included McAleese slapping one woman on her buttocks, grabbing her hips, and lifting her in a manner that suggested inappropriate conduct. In another instance, he was accused of pulling a different woman towards him by her hips, an act that caused discomfort and fear. Further allegations included him brushing against the buttocks of a third woman and making inappropriate sexual comments, actions that contributed to the overall pattern of misconduct.

In addition to these charges, McAleese was convicted of assaulting another former waitress at Dumfries’s Chancers nightclub in November 2013. The assault involved him putting his hand up her skirt, an act that added to the severity of his criminal record. The trial for these offenses began in October, a period that coincided with the restaurant’s receipt of an award at the Scottish Italian Awards, a detail that underscores the stark contrast between his public image and his private misconduct.

Throughout the trial, McAleese maintained that his actions were merely friendly banter and jokes with staff members, a claim that was ultimately rejected by the court. His conviction not only highlights issues of misconduct within the hospitality industry but also raises questions about the safety and treatment of staff in such establishments. The sentencing for McAleese is scheduled for next month, and the outcome will determine the next steps in his legal and personal life.