Timothy Zoltan Maxwell Hegedus sexually assaults woman in fast food carpark

A man has claimed he has no recollection of sexually assaulting a fast food employee in broad daylight as she walked to her car. Read what happened in court.

Timothy Zoltan Maxwell Hegedus leaves Southport Court.

A Coast man who groped a fast food employee in her workplace carpark has claimed he was so drunk that he has no recollection of the “appalling” assault.

Timothy Zoltan Maxwell Hegedus was in the carpark of an Oxenford fast food restaurant about 1pm on August 19, when a young woman walked past on her way to her car after finishing her shift.

Southport Magistrates Court was told Hegedus yelled, “It’s my fault, is it?” at the woman, then shouted “Why don’t you fight me then?” when she seemed confused.

The 26-year-old followed the woman to her car and grabbed her wrist, asking “Can I have sex?”.

The court heard Hegedus then put his hand on his victim’s shoulder and slid it down to her breast, leaving his hand there until the woman pulled away.

His terrified victim ran back inside her workplace in tears.

Police were soon called to the scene and found a heavily intoxicated Hegedus still in the carpark.

The court was told Hegedus’ criminal history was largely alcohol-related, including previous convictions for public intoxication, wilful exposure, and assaults.

Defence lawyer Basil Karsas said his client fell into the “party lifestyle” while working in the mines and turned to alcohol after kicking his drug habit.

He said Hegedus returned home to help care for his sister, who suffered a debilitating disease that made her entirely reliant on those around her.

“Unfortunately though, when he’s not caring for her, he’s drinking,” Mr Karsas said.

“He’s not allowed to drink in the house – that’s banned – so he goes out and drinks in parks and the like.

“His behaviour was appalling, it would have been frightening, and despite there being no victim impact statement, he does recognise the impact of such actions on the victim (that) she does not deserve.”

Mr Karsas said Hegedus was now sober after his “eye-opening” offending.

Magistrate Dzenita Balic told Hegedus he needed to address the alcoholism that had become an issue for those around him and the wider community.

“You gave yourself permission to touch her in one of her private areas, and that is unacceptable,” Ms Balic said.

“It matters to me not that you were drunk, quite frankly – in fact, the fact you were drunk is a choice you made.”

Hegedus pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault.

He was sentenced to six months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months.

Originally published as Timothy Zoltan Maxwell Hegedus sexually assaults woman in fast food carpark