Man ‘sorry’ over grope

A MARRIED man groped a woman in a Surfers Paradise night spot before running off “clapping his hands and laughing”.

Sebastian Krzysztof Strzelecki copped a $100 fine for the grabbing the woman’s buttocks as she waited to get into The Avenue about 10.20pm on April 14.

The Southport Magistrates Court was told yesterday Strzelecki attempted to say something in the woman’s ear as he touched her.

He pleaded guilty to public nuisance.

Strzelecki, who represented himself in court, asked Magistrate Ron Kilner for a punishment which would not impact his Australian visa.

The 27-year-old said he had been trying to make friends following his recent arrival in Australia.

He was drinking prior to the attack.

“I didn’t know (that) this situation happened,” Strzelecki said. “I’m really sorry.”

Police prosecutor Sergeant Doug Bettany said the woman did not make a formal assault complaint.

No conviction was recorded.