A 36-year-old man pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a female and four counts of shoplifting.
Samuel Coleman, of Buddle Lane, Exeter admitted to grabbing a 17-year-old girl’s bottom in Exeter city centre and shoplifting £44.50 worth of alcohol from the Co-op.
Werjinder Baines, prosecuting, said that on March 6, 2024, a 17-year-old girl was with her friend when the defendant appeared out of nowhere and grabbed her bottom, leaving bruising.
“The incident shocked me; it has never happened before,” the victim impact statement read. “I have only just got the confidence to go out again. I will not go to the city centre on my own again.”
The court heard Coleman has previous convictions for shoplifting.
Additionally, on four separate occasions last June, Coleman stole £44.50 worth of alcohol from a Co-op store in Exeter, including a 12-pack of Corona, three bottles of cider and two bottles of wine.
Mr Woodley, representing the defendant, said Coleman had been living on the street and struggles with his mental health and alcoholism.
“He fared badly on the street. He is not streetwise; he was robbed and assaulted.” Mr Woodley said. “The touching happened when he was homeless.”
Mr Woodley added that the defendant now “maintains sobriety” and acknowledges that he was out of control and wishes he could apologise to the victim.
District Judge Smith adjourned the case to May 21 at Exeter Magistrates’ Court, for probation services to prepare a pre-sentence report.
- This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.
