North Norfolk pub worker groped teenager in the bar

Gary Douglas, 49, was working at the Globe Inn, in Wells-next-the-Sea, when he sexually assaulted the victim.

Norwich Crown Court was told he had a "pattern of offending" linked to "sexual impropriety against young people", with previous convictions for indecent assaults and making indecent images of children.

The court heard that the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, felt a grab at her bottom.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Nicholas Bleaney, prosecuting, said she "could feel his fingers" as he grabbed her.

The incident, which happened on June 6, 2022, was reported to police with Douglas being interviewed in October 2022. He was also dismissed from his job.

Douglas, of Ashburton Close, in Wells, appeared for sentencing on Wednesday having admitted sexual assault.

The court was given extracts of a statement from the victim who said she now "feels unsafe" and that the assault made her "vulnerable and intimidated".

Judge Anthony Bate imposed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 15 months.

Judge Anthony Bate (Image: Newsquest)He said the victim in this case had suffered "significant" psychological harm and was suffering from ongoing difficulties.

Douglas was also banned from attending the Globe Inn pub for 15 months, given up to 40 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR).

Nicola May, mitigating, said Douglas, who she accepted has an "unattractive record", fully accepted what he had pleaded guilty to.

She said he had a difficult start in life, where he was not able to read or write, went to a school for those with special educational needs but was then brought up by loving adoptive parents.

His Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) increased by five years, to 10 years.

He was also put on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.