Magistrate urges young man to stay away from alcohol

A 24-year-old who admitted that he was “under the influence” when he assaulted a woman on Monday, has been told to stay away from alcohol.

Clifroy Shamroy Hepburn of Foul Bay St Philip pleaded guilty to unlawfully assaulting Nicole Clarke on December 4, 2023, when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court.

The court heard that Hepburn boarded a bus and sat down next to the complainant. She slid closer to the window to make room between the two of them, and he took the opportunity to move closer to her, which made her uncomfortable. A few moments later, he reached out and placed his hand on her private parts. She jumped up and said, “Why are you touching me?” and moved to another seat.

The accused switched seats and sat next to another lady that the complainant knew and being concerned for her, Clarke told the bus driver what had happened. As the bus was passing the airport, a police car was flagged down and the incident was reported to the officers.

Hepburn said he had only touched the complainant’s leg and “when she react, I say I am so sorry…. It was a mistake.”

“It was an unwanted touch and therefore, it was an assault,” Magistrate Alison Burke informed Hepburn.

Admitting that he had been under the influence when the incident occurred, he said he needed help dealing with his drinking.

The magistrate ordered a pre-sentence report and told Hepburn to return to court on March 26, 2024.

He is also facing a charge of unlawful assault against Zara Clinkett on the same day.

That matter, however, was transferred to the Oistins Magistrates’ Court and is to be heard on Monday.