JOHN LENNIE FROM DUNFERMLINE FACES SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AFTER INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS AT LOCAL RESTAURANT

A 51-year-old chef from Dunfermline has been found guilty of making sexually inappropriate remarks towards a young female bar worker, leaving her visibly distressed and traumatised. The incident took place at a restaurant in Dunfermline, where Lennie, residing on Glen Fruin Grove, was working alongside staff members on the evening of August 5 last year.

According to court reports, the young woman, who was employed at the same establishment, was subjected to repeated lewd comments from Lennie while they were working. Despite her numerous requests for him to cease his inappropriate remarks, Lennie persisted, prompting concern among other staff members who advised him to apologise for his behaviour. However, he failed to do so, continuing his misconduct and ultimately losing his job as a result.

During the proceedings at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Sheriff William Gilchrist heard that Lennie, who is a father, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The court was told by Procurator Fiscal depute Jill Currie that Lennie’s behaviour was observed by the complainant and two other employees, who noted that he reeked of alcohol and appeared intoxicated.

Ms Currie detailed the nature of Lennie’s comments, stating that he made inappropriate remarks about the woman’s breasts. She quoted the complainant as saying, “The complainer asked the accused to stop making these comments on numerous occasions.” The depute fiscal further revealed that Lennie made explicit statements such as, “he would have her right here, right now,” and “if she did not take me to bed today, it would be another time.” These comments left the young woman feeling frightened and extremely uncomfortable.

Following the initial remarks, Lennie reportedly returned to the kitchen area of the restaurant and asked a fellow worker whether he should apologise for his behaviour. The colleague advised him to do so. Two other employees present at the time expressed their alarm at Lennie’s conduct. The court heard that Lennie then asked, “should I apologise or should I bend her over the pass,” while laughing. Although he did go to apologise, he soon resumed making inappropriate comments, asserting that he was not sorry and did not regret what he had said.

His continued lewd remarks caused the young woman to become visibly upset and scared, prompting her to report the incident to her employer. An investigation was launched, leading to Lennie’s dismissal from his position. Subsequently, Lennie wrote an apology letter to the woman, but the court was told that she remained deeply traumatised by the experience.

During the hearing, Lennie’s defence lawyer, Elaine Buist, explained that her client had consumed alcohol prior to the incident due to a cocktail-tasting event at the bar. She also highlighted that Lennie, who has no previous convictions and now works as a chef elsewhere in Fife, was suffering from mental health issues at the time and was not properly medicated. Buist acknowledged that Lennie believed others were participating in the conversation but admitted that his comments had gone too far that evening.

Sheriff Gilchrist concluded the case by emphasizing the seriousness of Lennie’s actions. He stated, “These were entirely inappropriate comments… doubly so given you had been told to stop repeatedly and apologise by others, yet you continued in this manner.” As a result, Lennie was fined £270, placed on the Sex Offenders Register, and held accountable for his misconduct in Dunfermline.