A 61-year-old man has been jailed after he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old at her place of work after he'd had a drink.
David Gething, of Hazleton Road, Broadgreen, behaved inappropriately with the teenage girl after asking her lewd questions about if she was wearing underwear.
Gething made the comments at a venue in North Wales and later told police officers he was "just joking".
The victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity, was left "distressed" by the incident after Gething gave her a "prolonged hug".
Gething admitted sexually assaulting her, North Wales Live reported.
He was jailed at Mold Crown Court today for two months for the sexual assault and three months for failing to give details about himself later at a police station.
The judge said both sentences, to run concurrently, have already been served because he has spent so long in custody.
Prosecutor Myles Wilson told the court the defendant had been staying at the venue and his victim was working there in 2019.
He said Gething and the teenage girl were in the bar area.
Mr Wilson said: “He asked if she had any knickers on under her dress.” It made her feel “uncomfortable” and she walked away, the court was told. The prosecutor said Gething then said “Come here, baby.”
She left and so did the defendant, but both came back later.
The prosecutor said: “He put his arms around her in a prolonged hug. When he let go she was shaken up.”
The court heard he again said “words to the effect of ‘Come here, baby’.”
The girl reported the incident to her supervisors.
She said she had been frightened. The defendant had been drinking and she hadn’t known what the defendant would do next.
The prosecutor said North Wales Police were informed and the defendant was evicted from the venue the next day.
Officers interviewed Gething and he said he had “just been joking”.
Gething was released on bail with a sexual notification requirement to sign on at a police station within three days which he failed to do.
Keep up to date with local news in your area by adding your postcode below:
He was arrested and pleaded guilty at a magistrates court to that breach.
Today the judge His Honour Niclas Parry said: "Mr Gething, this is all about respect for people who are working.
"You have had privileges in your life regarding a successful working career."
However, the judge said the sexual assault was in a less serious category because the touching was over her clothes.
But the fact he ignored the simple signing on requirement showed he didn't understand the seriousness of the matter.
He had nevertheless spent a period in custody "well beyond" what any sentence would have been and the sentences have therefore been served.
The judge also imposed a restraining order preventing Gething from contacting his victim or attending the venue, both for five years.
He must also keep to sexual offences order guidelines for five years.
