MICHAEL TUT FROM FAREHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN EASTLEIGH

A Hampshire shopkeeper, Michael Tut, was convicted of two separate sexual assaults within a span of hours in Eastleigh. The court heard that Tut, of Turtle Close in Fareham, invited a 16-year-old girl to examine his flat above a local shop, claiming it was decorated with new updates. She accepted his offer at face value, but as she was leaving, Tut began to hug her and attempted to kiss her. He then groped her and touched her inappropriately, leaving her feeling "shocked and frightened." She immediately messaged her mother, who later contacted the police.

Prosecution barrister Mary Aspinall-Miles explained that earlier on the same day, Tut persuaded another woman to go out for lunch with him. After their meal, Tut asked this victim to take a selfie with him. Ms. Aspinall-Miles stated, "The shopkeeper sat behind the woman and kissed her cheek before groping her multiple times." Court documents also revealed that Tut exploited his position by befriending young teenage girls, allowing them to buy tobacco and offering them free alcohol.

Tut faced five counts of sexual assault related to the incident on June 3, 2019, and pleaded guilty to these charges. Defending attorney Gemma White requested the judge consider the recommendations in a probation report, which indicated a low risk of reoffending.

Judge Gary Burrell QC sentenced Tut to a 36-month community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation activities, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. During the hearing, Judge Burrell warned Tut against any further misconduct, stating, "For goodness' sake behave like your age. You do not want to spend a year in Winchester prison, Mr. Tut, because you might not survive."