A 36-year-old visitor has admitting groping two women in a Douglas pub.

Harvey Miles Choppin was sentenced to a 12-month probation order and 180 hours community service after he admitted two counts of indecent assault on an adult.

Choppin was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to each woman and £125 prosecution costs.

He was also banned from licensed premises for 12 months.

Choppin was said to have touched one woman on the breast and another in the lower regions in Jaks bar on Loch Promenade on June 9.

Defending him in court, advocate Deborah Myerscough said that her client had pleaded guilty at a pre-trial review on August 29.

’It was not the earliest opportunity, but it has spared these ladies from having to come to court and give evidence,’ said the advocate.

’It is clear that this is an offence that occurred when Mr Choppin was in alcohol. Of course that is an aggravating factor.

’But the offences were committed over clothing. He was dressed, they were dressed. He was spoken to immediately by the police, once he’d sobered up.

intoxitated

’The particular types of offences are difficult for a court to deal with when someone has been so intoxicated. He has done his best as far as he can to make amends.’

She added that he was prepared to apologise to the women in person if they’d agree.

’’He really does want to explain to them that he is truly sorry for his behaviour,’ she said.

’He has three children, all quite young teenagers. It has caused distress to him and them.

’His current partner has a child due in November. This was an evening of sheer stupidity for him. He said he has not drunk since the offence.

’He is absolutely horrified by his behaviour.’

Ms Myerscough requested that no exclusion order was made as Choppin, of Gringley Road, Misterton, Doncaster, had been visiting the island for the last 30 years, due to his family having a property here.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence this week: ’You denied the offence in interview so I can’t give you credit for that.

’But the incidents were not pre-meditated, were over the ladies’ clothing, and lasted no more than a couple of seconds.

’It is an aggravating factor there were two separate assaults on two women, committed on licensed premises. You said you have consumed 10 pints of lager and had been drinking since 11am but it was a brief incident.’

Choppin was sentenced to 12 months probation and 180 hours community service, to run concurrently.