Western Daily Press (Saturday)
McDonald’s boss spared prison over sex assault
AMCDONALD’S supervisor sexually assaulted a trainee at work in the freezer, a court heard. Shift boss Geary Fernandes attacked her at one of the fast food chain’s restaurants in Wiltshire.
The 34-year-old denied the offence and claimed it was an accident but was convicted at trial on August 10.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday prosecutor Tom Power said the youngster turned around after she felt hands on her waist.
Now facing Fernandes, “her breasts were grabbed and squished by the defendant”.
He asked the victim to stay and work additional hours but she refused. When her mother arrived to collect her from work, she disclosed the assault.
Mr Power said that since the incident the girl has suffered with anxiety at night, is insecure and struggles to stand near boys.
The court heard that the father of one, who is assessed as a medium risk of sexual reoffending, is expecting his second child in December, and that he is also a stepfather to two other children.
Emma Hillier, defending, said that her client is unemployed as a result of his conviction. She encouraged the magistrates to impose a community order or suspended sentence because the “impact [of immediate custody] would be massive”.
While the defendant maintains his innocence, his lawyer said that he “accepts he was found guilty of this offence” and has “struggled to come to terms with it”.
She said that Fernandes has no family or support in this country and his family live in Goa.
Magistrates imposed a 20-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months and Fernandes must complete 40 rehabilitation activity days. He was told to pay £620 costs and a £154 surcharge. He will remain as a registered sex offender for seven years.
In a statement released following his conviction at trial, investigator Tina Willison said: “I want to commend the victim for coming forward and speaking to us about this incident, and for then speaking about it in court.
“She has shown remarkable bravery and I’m pleased it has resulted in a guilty verdict for Fernandes today.
“Fernandes clearly took advantage of his position as supervisor of the branch, abusing his position of trust by preying on a new member of staff.
“He waited until they were alone in the freezer section and sexually assaulted her, before lying to defend himself, claiming the contact wasn’t deliberate.”
CPS Senior Crown Prosecutor Julie Macey said: “I would like to commend the victim in this case for bravely coming forward to report what must have been a very distressing and traumatic experience.
“Fernandes clearly took advantage of his position as a McDonald’s supervisor and his behaviour towards this young female member of staff was an appalling abuse of trust.”