Man abuses woman in bar in city center while “drunk”

Jamie Knowles, of Windsor Drive, appeared in court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to one count of sexual assault.

On April 6, the 28-year-old visited the Tank Bar on Cairo Street during an evening outing and approached a woman there.

Knowles touched the victim’s hip and right breast before attempting to kiss her without her consent.

The prosecutor in the case, Miss Johnson, told the court that the victim and Knowles were seen having a conversation before he grabbed her arm.

The victim then punched Knowles in the face in self-defense and was later escorted out of the club.

“This has caused enormous stress for the plaintiff,” Ms Johnson said.

“She fears that something like this could happen again.”

Ms Johnson also told the court that the victim felt “extremely vulnerable” in public, especially when someone was walking behind her.

Knowles, who has already been convicted three times for eight criminal offenses, represented himself in court.

“I’m really sorry,” he said.

“I was totally drunk.”

Knowles was sentenced to a community sentence last year after he overturned the van he was driving on its side in Latchford in October.

As part of his sentence, Knowles was required to participate in ten rehabilitation activities.

“I really looked into it,” he told the court.

“I needed the help they gave me.

“I will get more help if you want.”

While serving this community order, Knowles committed the sexual assault in the Tank Bar, thereby breaching the order.

At his sentencing on Wednesday, Knowles was given an 18-week suspended prison sentence and must also complete up to 35 days of rehabilitation activity.

In addition, Knowles must complete the Horizon program and will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.

He was also ordered to pay the victim £250 compensation.

“We consider that this particular attack was somewhat sustained and persistent and must have had a psychological impact on the plaintiff,” the judges said.

“The reason we have suspended your sentence is because we believe there is a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation.

“But the ball is entirely in your court.”