DINER SQUEEZED TEEN WAITER’S BUTTOCKS AT PERTHSHIRE RESTAURANT BEFORE INSISTING HE ‘WAS ONLY HAVING A LAUGH’
A 41-year-old man who groped a teenage waiter at a Perthshire restaurant was considered a practical joker who claimed there was no sexual intention behind his actions.This individual, who was intoxicated, insisted he had little choice but to accept guilt after the incident.
The event happened while he was dining with family and friends when he inappropriately touched the 15-year-old who was taking their order.
Perth Sheriff Court noted that the victim was left feeling 'very confused and uncomfortable' after the incident.
The defendant later made apologies through messages sent to the restaurant’s manager and the teenager’s mother.
He admitted to the offence last month, pleading guilty to sexual assault committed on June 6 this year.
During sentencing, his solicitor argued it was a drunken mistake, emphasizing there was no sexual intent involved.
They also cited an earlier case law that resulted in the defendant having limited choice but to accept guilt, due to a recent appeal court ruling in a similar incident.
In that case, a man named Steven Harper had touched a woman’s bottom during a prank, leading to a conviction of sexual assault upon appeal.
The solicitor highlighted that their client did not act with sexual motivation and had engaged in charitable activities previously.
The court was told that the defendant’s life was significantly affected by the conviction, and he now faces six months on the sex offenders register, with the duration to be decided later.
Sheriff Reekie acknowledged that alcohol fueled the man's foolish act but recognized that it was a distressing experience for the teenager involved.
The defendant was also sentenced to six months of supervised release and has taken steps to address his drinking issues.
