GEARY FERNANDES AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SWINDON
A disturbing incident of sexual assault has come to light involving Geary Fernandes, a supervisor at a McDonald's restaurant in Swindon.The court heard that Fernandes, aged 34 and residing on Warneford Close in the Toothill area, was accused of sexually assaulting a young female trainee employee during his shift in December of the previous year.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred inside the restaurant’s freezer section.
The young girl, who was a trainee at the time, reportedly felt hands on her waist and turned around to confront the situation.
It was then that Fernandes allegedly grabbed and squished her breasts, an act that the court described as a sexual assault.
The victim, overwhelmed and distressed, refused to stay for additional hours after the incident.
Her mother arrived later to collect her from work and was informed of what had transpired.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Tom Power detailed the emotional and psychological impact the assault has had on the girl.
Since the incident, she has been suffering from increased anxiety, particularly at night, and has become insecure around boys.
She also finds it difficult to stand near male colleagues, indicating the lasting trauma caused by the assault.
Fernandes, a father of one who is expecting his second child in December, denied the charges, claiming that the contact was accidental.
However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him on 10 August after a trial.
The defendant’s defense argued that Fernandes is currently unemployed due to his conviction and relies on benefits, as his pregnant partner works a low-paid part-time job to support the family.
His legal representative, Emma Hillier, urged the magistrates to consider a community order or a suspended sentence, emphasizing that immediate custody would have a significant impact on Fernandes and his family.
Ms.
Hillier also highlighted that Fernandes is seeking to reintegrate into the workforce and is working with the probation service to explore his options.
She pointed out that his operations are limited because of his status as a sex offender.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Fernandes has acknowledged the court’s verdict, and his lawyer noted that he has struggled to come to terms with the conviction.
The court was informed that Fernandes is a stepfather to two children and is also a parent to one child of his own.
He is considered a medium risk of reoffending sexually.
The magistrates sentenced him to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities.
Additionally, Fernandes was required to pay costs of £620 and a surcharge of £154.
He will remain on the sex offender register for seven years.
The court is scheduled to review whether to impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on 9 October.
Following the conviction, Wiltshire Police investigator Tina Willison issued a statement praising the bravery of the victim.
She said, “I want to commend the victim for coming forward and speaking to us about this incident, and for then speaking about it in court.
She has shown remarkable bravery, and I’m pleased it has resulted in a guilty verdict for Fernandes today.” Ms.
Willison further emphasized that Fernandes exploited his position of authority as a supervisor to prey on a vulnerable new staff member.
She described how he waited until they were alone in the freezer before committing the assault and then lied to defend himself, claiming the contact was unintentional.
The police remain committed to taking such reports seriously and supporting victims.
She concluded by urging anyone who has experienced sexual assault or rape to contact police on 101, or call 999 in emergencies, reaffirming the force’s dedication to justice and victim support.
