Workman groped woman in Waterford home
The matter was heard in camera at Waterford Courthouse.
A man in his late 50's groped a woman while carrying out works on her home. The man had asked the woman to help him with a door when he grabbed her on her chest and made a lewd comment.
After groping her, he said, "Nice titty", followed by "I shouldn't have done that". The woman, in a highly distressed state, went straight to her neighbour's home for help. He texted the woman shortly afterwards by way of apology, with the message: "I can't explain this."
The incident happened in late 2023 at an address in Waterford.
The man appeared in Waterford District Court this week for an in-camera hearing before Judge Kevin Staunton. Reporting restrictions were issued to protect the identity of the victim.
Solicitor Ken Cunningham told the court that the man had no previous convictions and had 'no excuse' for his actions. The court heard that the man was going through a relationship breakdown at the time of the assault and had admitted wrongdoing.
The man is suffering from serious illness and is not currently working due to stress, the court was informed.
Mr. Cunningham said that his client had made a 'gesture of goodwill' by handing over €500 to the Court. Judge Staunton requested the preparation of a probation report, agreeing that a "longer assessment" was needed.
