FIFE SHOP OWNER AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTING FIVE WOMEN IN STORES
A shop owner with a sock fetish has avoided jail after admitting to sexually assaulting five women in his stores.Erkan Cetin, aged 57, was found to have an unhealthy interest in women’s lingerie, including sock-wearing, a court heard.He assaulted women at three of his stores located in Rosyth and Inverkeithing, Fife, with one incident involving putting his hand inside a female customer's clothing to molest her.
Later that year, he targeted a fifth woman at the Inverkeithing stores, rubbing her face, pressing his body against hers, and placing his fingers in her mouth.
He also kissed her, tried to put his tongue in her mouth, sucked her ear, and touched her intimately over her clothing.The court heard Cetin also made sexual comments to a sixth woman at Arman Connection in Inverkeithing on various occasions during 2016.
Further, he admitted to rubbing a woman’s face, rubbing his body against her, and inserting his fingers in her mouth during another incident.
He escalated his offenses by unfastening her clothing and applying oil to her in early 2017.At Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Cetin, of Cowdenbeath, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault between August 2015 and May 2017, targeting five women.
Three women were touched on the body on different occasions, while others experienced more intrusive assaults involving clothing removal and physical contact.Defense lawyer Johnathon Crowe explained Cetin faced personal struggles including the death of his wife in 2007, issues in his self-employment, and a failing relationship, which contributed to alcohol consumption and an unhealthy interest in women’s lingerie.
Sheriff James Williamson acknowledged that offenses of this nature often result in custodial sentences but was persuaded by reports indicating Cetin was not a risk to the community.
Consequently, he was placed under supervision for three years, required to complete 270 hours of unpaid work, and added to the sex offenders’ register for three years.The court noted that Cetin’s actions were serious, but the sentence reflects an assessment of his risk level.
Authorities will monitor his compliance with strict conditions concerning internet use and contact with children.
