TV groper ‘was trying to break the ice’

AN EXTRA on Atlantis, the BBC’s family fantasy drama, groped a woman’s bottom on set as an attempt to “break the ice”.

Xavier de la Huerga, 52, was in full costume when he grabbed the fellow extra as she sat down, squeezing her so hard she feared he had left a mark.

The aspiring actor claimed he found the woman attractive and thought his actions were friendly. However, the victim reported him and yesterday at Newport Crown Court he admitted sexual assault.

Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones told him it was an “absurd” way to try to impress a woman.

The incident took place in March last year on set in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, during filming of the BBC One show’s second series. James Wilson, prosecuting, said: “It lasted for a few seconds but it was very upsetting. She turned around and saw Huerga looking guilty and told him to keep his hands to himself.” The 45-year-old victim has “lost confidence in dealing with people professionally and socially” following the incident.

De la Huerga, of Pontypridd, South Wales, said he had not meant to offend.

Stuart George, defending, claimed the 45-year-old victim had been “a little over-sensitive” and suggested that his behaviour was a consequence of his Spanish heritage.

Mr George told the court: “Huerga found her attractive and wanted to break the ice and befriend her – he therefore decided to grab the bottom.

“There may be cultural issues that led him to behave in this manner but he is now under no illusions - he is re- morseful and appreciates the error of his ways.”

The judge told de la Huerga: “What you did was offensive, it offended your victim, it upset her. Don’t be so stupid again.”

He was given a nine-month community order and will undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.

The show was not made by the BBC but by an independent production company. A BBC spokesman said they were unaware of the incident until yesterday.

De la Huerga is no longer on the books of his casting agency, which supplies extras for hit shows including Broadchurch, Poldark, Sherlock and Doctor Who.

A spokesman for Phoenix Casting Agency said de la Huerga had been one of their background artists for several years but had recently resigned.