Sex attack tiler abused woman as she slept

A WOMAN was sexually assaulted as she slept on a sofa after drinking in a house on Valentine’s Day, a court has heard.

The victim, who was 20 at the time, was abused at a property in Cullybackey, Co Antrim, by Robert John Glass (62), who previously pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault by penetration.

After an investigation was launched, the victim’s DNA was found under his fingernail.

A defence lawyer said that after news of the incident became public knowledge, Glass was burned out of his home.

Prosecutor Tessa Kitson said that the defendant, a tiler who has since moved to the nearby Portglenone area, was punched in the face when the woman woke to find her clothing and underwear removed to her knees at 3pm on the afternoon of February 15 last year.

When the woman woke, she saw Glass kneeling beside her carrying out the sex attack.

The woman told him, “Get out the door before I put you out”, and then contacted the police.

Ms Kitson said a victim impact report described how the woman had been left distressed and found it difficult to leave the house alone or answer the door.

Defence QC Neil Connor said Glass’s wife of more than 30 years passed away in 2010 from cancer, and his daughter was seriously ill in hospital.

He branded the attack “opportunistic” and said his client was at a low risk of reoffending.

Judge Desmond Marrinan adjourned sentencing for the “pretty revolting” assault until Monday. Glass was released on continuing bail.