Mum-of-three, 41, admits sex assault after pinching policeman’s BUM in town centre
A MUM-of-three who pinched a cop’s bum has admitted a sexual assault charge. While Rosie Smith, 41, avoided being sent to jail, she was hit with £175 in court costs and received a 12-month community order. Maidstone Magistrates’ Court heard that Smith pinched the policeman’s bottom – surprising him in a busy Tunbridge Wells town […]
A MUM-of-three who pinched a cop’s bum has admitted a sexual assault charge.
While Rosie Smith, 41, avoided being sent to jail, she was hit with £175 in court costs and received a 12-month community order.
Maidstone Magistrates’ Court heard that Smith pinched the policeman’s bottom – surprising him in a busy Tunbridge Wells town centre in Kent.
The policeman said he was annoyed and embarrassed by her actions, and warned her that it was an assault.
Neil Sweeney, prosecuting, told the court: “Miss Smith reached out pinched his bottom, causing him to react.
“He turned around to see her stood next to him.
“The officer warned her about the behaviour, saying ‘that’s assault, I could nick you for that,’ and they engaged in a conversation about her brother who died last year.”
The court heard that after the cop was called away from the scene to deal with an incident, an onlooker complained to police and said they found Smith’s behaviour shocking and demeaning.
Ben Pite, representing Smith, said his client had since apologised to the officer.
“SERIOUS MATTER”
He said Smith was dealing with “difficult family circumstances” as a mum of three, and the legal guardian of a fourth child.
Smith, of Tunbridge Wells, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and one count of breaching a criminal behaviour order.
As she was serving a suspended prison sentence when she committed the offence, Smith faced being sent to prison.
Chairman of the bench Dennis Fuller said: “These are quite serious matters; in the circumstances they’re all at the lowest level in our judgement.
“We’re not applying for compensation as there was no physical injury and the policeman’s response at the time does not appear to warrant it.”
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Telling Smith that she would not be sent to prison, Mr Fuller suspended her suspended sentence for a further six months.
She was also given a 12-month community order, and will have to carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days in that period as well as paying £175 costs.
