A POWYS man who got into bed with and groped a woman has been handed a community order.
Alistair Gregory Watkin, originally from Meifod but now living in North Wales, was given a two-year community order this week, having been found guilty at his trial of two sexual assaults and one attempted sexual assault.
Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 8, heard how Watkin, 29, had initially touched the victim’s leg following a night out in Welshpool in autumn 2021, before getting into bed next to her squeezing her breast.
Watkin, now of Wood Lane, Hawarden, in Flintshire, had denied all three offences against him but was found guilty following a trial in February.
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“In the early hours the woman was woken by the defendant," prosecutor Helen Tench said.
"He was continually whispering ‘wake up’ to her and shaking her by the shoulders."
It was then that he sexually assaulted her, Ms Tench said. The defendant was later arrested.
“He said he had been out drinking, but didn’t recall touching or rubbing her leg,” said Mrs Tench.
In a victim impact statement read out by Mrs Tench on behalf of the victim, she said: “This has caused me significant social anxiety; I am afraid to leave the house and no longer enjoy the thought of going out or being social with people as I fear unwanted attention from males or being sexually assaulted."
Acting for Watkin, Ceri Lewis said her client had changed his life following his arrest.
"He has never sought to minimise the incident or the blame," she said.
“He had little recollection of events, hence the not guilty pleas. It has been a very stressful and emotionally taxing time.
“He has since made significant changes to his lifestyle. He is now in a positive, stable relationship, and has moved away from the Welshpool area and his previously negative peers.
“He has abstained from alcohol. He is playing rugby, which is having a positive impact on his mental health."
Watkin must complete 34 sessions of the Horizon programme, as well as 10 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of unpaid work.
He must also pay £620 costs and a £95 surcharge.
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