Workman's 'sex attack' at woman's home

Chris Donegan • Published 5 Jan 2012 13:00 0 Comments

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John Gullion.

A 51-year-old workman who carried out a "callous" sex attack on a young woman at her home has been put on probation for three years.

John Gullion also has to sign on the Sex Offenders' Register for three years and is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

A prosecutor told Fermanagh Court that on February 8, last year, the victim contacted police to say she had been sexually assaulted at her home. Gullion was employed by the Housing Executive and was working in the area when he called at the woman's home offering to cut hedges for her. As they stood talking on the doorstep the married father of three put his hand on the young woman's groin.

Defence barrister, Mr. Gavin Cairns, acknowledged that this would have been a "distressing incident" for the young woman.

Deputy District Judge Paul Conway said it was "almost an invasion of her privacy" to be sexually assaulted "where she should have a feeling of security against any caller at her front door".

Mr. Cairns submitted that "the touch, whilst distressing, was over clothing".

The Deputy District Judge told Gullion he had been "placed in a position of trust by your employer" and gone to work in the area where the victim lived, clearing pathways and removing debris.

"You went to this young lady's house. You went to her front door, where you sexually assaulted her," he told Gullion.

"This young lady should feel safe, not only in her home but at her front door," added the Deputy District Judge. "You invaded that feeling of safety which she had in one of the most callous ways a man can towards a woman."

He said a pre-sentence report showed there were "underlying issues that need to be addressed" and given the "very good work" probation does with sex offenders and to prevent Gullion re-offending he was putting him on probation for three years. During that time Gullion is to participate in a sex offenders' programme.

The Deputy District Judge reiterated that this was a "most callous act" perpetrated at the young woman's own home and ordered Gullion, from Lisnagort Court, Omagh, to pay the victim £500 compensation.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 05 Jan 12

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Jan 15, 10:55
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