Coagh man who slapped woman on the bottom twice didn't realise it was a crime, court is told
A Co Tyrone man who slapped a woman on the bottom twice didn't realise he had committed a crime but did now, a court has heard.
Phelim Rocks, (50), of Mullan Road, Coagh was convicted of two sexual assaults on July 7, 2024 as well as a charge of disorderly behaviour on the same date.
Londonderry Magistrates Court heard how a woman reported that Rocks had slapped her on the bottom on two occasions and this was captured on CCTV.
The disorderly behaviour occurred when police arrived.
A defence barrister told the court his client had initially not appreciated that what he did was 'a crime and a serious crime'.
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He said this had now charged and Rocks wished to apologise to the woman.
The barrister said drink was a factor in the offending and the incident had been 'a salutory lesson' for Rocks.
Rocks was given a 10-month probation order and fined £150 and ordered to pay his victim £250 in compensation.