STUART SMITH AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN DERBYSHIRE
A man from Derbyshire, Stuart Smith, who is a father of two, has been convicted of sexual assault after he engaged in inappropriate and flirtatious behavior that escalated during work hours at a factory in the region.The incident took place within the premises of Loscoe Chilled Foods Ltd, a prominent meat manufacturing company located on Heanor Road, Heanor.
The court proceedings revealed unsettling details of Smith’s conduct towards a female colleague, behavior that crossed professional boundaries and resulted in criminal charges.
According to evidence presented at Derby Crown Court, Smith’s interactions with the victim, who remains unnamed in accordance with legal protections, were increasingly unwelcome and inappropriate.
The defendant reportedly told the victim, “I would do anything to get alone with you,” during an exchange at work.
The court heard that he subsequently grabbed her hand and forced it against his groin, an act that was both invasive and coercive.
Following the assault, Smith urged her to keep the incident secret, saying, “Don’t tell anyone, as we will both get into trouble,” which added a layer of intimidation and fear.
The court was told that Smith, aged 43, had a longstanding career in the industry, and despite his experience, his actions were deemed unacceptable and highly inappropriate.
The presiding judge, Recorder Jason Macadam, addressed the gravity of the misconduct, stating, “Let’s make no odds about it, you have worked in this industry for a long time, but it has never been acceptable to do what you did.
In the old days you might have been quite rightly punched in the face and told where to go by some victim who might react that way.
But all will be shocked and outraged and unchecked, your attitude would pose a sexual threat and it needs addressing.” Prosecutor Caroline Bradley explained that the victim had initially reported Smith’s flirtatious behavior after he made several unwelcome advances at work.
On one occasion, Smith had told her he wanted to borrow a fob to access a room, saying, “I will do anything to get alone with you,” which prompted her to challenge him.
Despite this, Smith persisted, following her out of the office, asking if she was “naughty,” and then physically grabbing her hand and placing it against his private parts.
He further exhibited inappropriate behavior by grabbing her hand himself and telling her, “look at this,” before warning her not to tell anyone, implying that both of them could face trouble if they disclosed the incident.
The victim reported the harassment to her manager, triggering an investigation.
A victim impact statement was read out in court, revealing that she felt “sick, distressed, and uncomfortable” following the incident, highlighting the emotional toll the assault had taken.
Stuart Smith, who resides on Pear Tree Avenue in Ripley, has no prior convictions.
During proceedings, his defense lawyer, Sonal Ahya, emphasized that Smith had been in a committed relationship for 16 years and was a father of two young children.
She acknowledged that at the time of the offense, Smith was experiencing a particularly challenging period in his personal life.
In court, Miss Ahya described his actions as “a factory thing” and “banter,” asserting that his conduct was rooted in outdated attitudes ingrained in a traditional work environment.
She also revealed that as a consequence of his arrest and subsequent legal issues, Smith had lost his job at the factory after 24 years of employment.
Smith pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge, which strained his personal life further.
In sentencing, Recorder Jason Macadam imposed a suspended prison term of three months, with the suspension set for two years.
The court also mandated that Smith participate in a 43-day accredited program designed to address issues related to his behavior.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete 55 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service, pay prosecution costs of £250, and register as a sex offender for seven years.
The authorities stated that steps are being taken to ensure that proper actions are in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
The media has reached out to Loscoe Chilled Foods Ltd for comment and is awaiting their response.
