STEPHEN FREER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN GWYNEDD PUB’S TOILETS
A man from Gwynedd, identified as Stephen Freer, has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young man with autism in a public house located in Pwllheli.The incident occurred within the confines of a toilet cubicle at the Pen Cob Wetherspoons, where Freer approached his victim in an unwanted and inappropriate manner.
This distressing case was heard in court, where prosecutor Simon Mintz outlined the circumstances leading to Freer’s conviction.
According to the prosecution, Freer, aged 45 and residing in Parciau, Mynytho, Gwynedd, targeted the victim during a visit to the pub last March.
The young man, in his twenties, was out for a meal accompanied by his family.
During his outing, the young man visited the toilet facilities three times, and each visit saw Freer present in the vicinity.
Mr.
Mintz explained that on the third occasion, Freer was standing in the doorway of the toilet cubicle as the victim washed his hands.
It was at this point that Freer beckoned the young man into the cubicle and proceeded to kiss him on the lips.
The court was told that the victim was “too frightened to resist” and felt unable to oppose Freer’s advances due to fear of potential repercussions.
A family member who accompanied the young man noticed that after leaving the toilets with Freer, he appeared to be in a “state of shock.” The incident only came to light when the victim’s relatives questioned him afterward.
Initially, the young man did not disclose the full extent of what had transpired inside the toilets, claiming instead that he had been unwell and had vomited, expressing that he had an “upset tummy.” However, once outside the pub, the victim confided in his family about the assault.
His relatives then confronted Freer, who denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he believed the kiss was consensual.
Nonetheless, when questioned by the police following the incident, Freer initially denied any contact but later admitted to kissing the young man.
He maintained, however, that he had a “reasonable belief” that the act was consensual.
The impact of the ordeal on the victim was highlighted through a statement from his sister.
She conveyed that her brother blames himself for what happened and that the experience has left him reluctant to go out in social settings.
He remains anxious and distrustful when faced with social interactions, underscoring the lasting emotional trauma caused by the incident.
Defence barrister Elen Owen argued that Freer was unaware of the victim’s autism, which played a significant role in understanding his actions.
She explained that the case did not involve any deliberate planning, emphasizing that Freer was already in the toilets when the victim made his third visit.
Owen characterized the encounter as a “chance meeting,” suggesting that the assault was unplanned.
Freer admitted, through his lawyer, that he had been drinking enough that day to impair his judgment.
She expressed remorse, stating that in sober reflection, he recognized the seriousness of his actions.
Owen also reassured that Freer posed no danger to others and had learned his lesson, asserting he would not repeat such out-of-character conduct.
The presiding judge, Recorder Wyn Lloyd-Jones, emphasized the importance of delivering an appropriate sentence.
He acknowledged the distress caused to the victim and stated he could not overlook the seriousness of the offense.
Accordingly, Freer was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Additionally, the judge ordered that Freer must register as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the gravity of the crime and the need for public protection.
