TERRY NICOL'S DRUNKEN MISBEHAVIOR AT DUNFERMLINE STARBUCKS LEADS TO DISMISSAL AND FINE
A supervisor at a Starbucks in Dunfermline has been dismissed from his position after an incident involving inappropriate physical contact with a female colleague.The incident occurred during a time when the employee was off-duty and under the influence of alcohol, leading to serious consequences for the 27-year-old man, Terry Nicol, originally from Cowdenbeath.
According to reports, Nicol had spent the day drinking and watching football before deciding to visit his workplace.
The incident took place at the drive-through branch of the coffee shop, where Nicol’s behavior escalated beyond acceptable conduct.
It is alleged that Nicol, in a state of intoxication, believed his actions would be taken as harmless banter.
However, the situation quickly turned serious when he pinched a female colleague’s buttocks while she was engaged in washing dishes.
The woman, who was performing her duties at a sink, was caught off guard when Nicol approached her.
She had moved to another sink to avoid him, but he reportedly leaned behind her and made physical contact by pinching her.
She immediately told him to stop, and he subsequently left the scene.
The incident was reported to the authorities, leading to Nicol’s appearance at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.
During the court proceedings, Nicol admitted to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by grabbing the woman’s buttocks on December 2.
Depute fiscal Claire Kennedy provided details of the event, stating that at approximately 7:15 pm, Nicol entered the store and was visibly under the influence of alcohol.
He approached the counter and then moved into the area where the complainant was working.
She was cleaning dishes at a sink when Nicol engaged her in conversation, after which she moved to another sink.
It was at this point that Nicol leaned behind her and pinched her.
In his defense, Nicol’s solicitor, Sarah Meehan, explained that he had been employed at the Dunfermline Starbucks for two years and had recently been promoted to supervisor.
The female colleague involved had been working there for about six months, and during that time, they had developed a friendly rapport, often exchanging flirtatious banter.
Meehan emphasized that Nicol was not working on the day of the incident and had been drinking throughout the day, having attended a football match.
She stated that Nicol believed his actions were part of their playful interaction and thought she would find it amusing, but he misjudged the situation.
Following the incident, disciplinary proceedings were initiated, resulting in Nicol’s dismissal from his role.
The court heard that his actions were out of character and that he considered the act a joke gone wrong.
Sheriff Derek Reekie, in his ruling, clarified that there was no significant sexual element involved in the offense.
Consequently, Nicol was not required to register as a sex offender.
However, he was fined £450 for his misconduct.
