FORMER GUERNSEY PRISON OFFICER CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
A former Guernsey prison officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman he offered career advice to.Jason Francis Tardif, 53, of St Sampson, denied assaulting the woman at his home on 14 October 2022, including by placing his hands on her shoulders and making a sexual comment.
The case was heard in Guernsey Magistrate's Court, where Lieutenant Bailiff Russell Finch stated that the court was certain the touching was sexual in nature.
Tardif is scheduled to be sentenced on 10 July before Judge Perry.
During the trial, it was revealed that Tardif also demonstrated a body search on the victim and placed a hand on her knee without consent.
Crown Advocate Chris Dunford suggested that this indicated Tardif had more than just recruitment on his mind at the time.
The court also played a video of the woman's witness statement, in which she described feeling 'skin crawl' and uncomfortable during the incident.
She explained how Tardif instructed her to stand up and then moved his hands along her arms and sides, leaving her feeling creeped out.
Additionally, Tardif stopped her as she was leaving by placing his hands on her shoulders and making a sexual comment about her body.
The woman, who initially thought Tardif was a 'nice guy', said the incident left her feeling 'creeped out'.
Tardif, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, disputed having deliberately touched or made a sexual remark.
Defender Advocate Alan Merrien claimed there could have been accidental contact with no sexual intent.
Earlier this year, Tardif was also convicted of an unrelated sexual offence.
The case was heard before Lieutenant Bailiff Russell Finch, and Tardif is set to be sentenced on 10 July.
The incident involved inappropriate touching, sexual comments, and demonstrated body searches, which led to his conviction for sexual assault.
