Man sent to Les Nicolles for indecent assault in Town

Sunday 02 May 2021

A man has been sentenced to four months in prison, after indecently assaulting a woman who was helping an injured person in Town.

At about 02:20 at La Tourgand in the Lower Pollet, Filipe Branco, 38, indecently assaulted a woman by grabbing her between her legs while she was helping another person.

Branco initially denied the offence on 22 August 2020, but was found guilty after trial on 23 March 2021. Judge Gary Perry repeated in sentencing that he’d been satisfied, after hearing evidence during trial, that Branco acted deliberately and misogynistically.

Branco had approached the woman after being involved in a violent altercation himself and wanted help for a cut on his head. After being told she was currently helping someone else, Branco grabbed the victim from behind.

The case was adjourned on 23 March so a probation report could be prepared, and Branco was sentenced on 29 April.

Pictured: Branco appeared in the Magistrate's Court for sentencing on Thursday. 

The Magistrate’s Court heard how his actions have negatively impacted the victim and her work with the public.

Branco had his housing licence revoked after being found guilty in trial.

Advocate Sam Steel defended Branco, suggesting the loss of his housing licence was big enough a price to pay, without him having to go to prison.

Judge Perry disagreed and sentenced Branco to four months in Les Nicolles and gave him a five-year notification order. There was no recommendation given by the Court regarding deportation.