Richard Ronald Novell in Gympie court for sexual assault

A dart player followed his friend of 20 years to her motel room, insisting he would ‘scrub her back‘ and watch her in the shower. Here’s what else he did to the woman.

Richard Ronald Novell appeared in Gympie District Court on February 9, 2023.

A drunk dart player’s disgusting sexual attack on a female friend has been revealed.

Richard Ronald Novell, 50, pleaded guilty on Thursday, February 9 in the Gympie District Court to one count of sexual assault.

Crown prosecutor Michael Andronicus told the court Novell had known the victim as a friend for 20 years when he tore her shirt, groped her breast and tried to force his way into her shower.

They were staying in separate rooms at a motel in September 2021.

After gathering with a group downstairs and having some drinks, the woman excused herself and headed to her room.

Novell followed the woman.

When she turned to close the door of the room she saw Novell standing closely behind her, the court heard.

He said he would join her under the shower to “scrub her back” but the woman refused and pushed him away.

Novell backed her towards the shower, saying he would “sit on the bed and perv at her”, Mr Andronicus told the court.

The woman tried to flee but Novell got up from the bed to grope her breast, then tore her shirt.

Novell left the room after the woman yelled at him.

She made an immediate complaint to others at the hotel and received a different room while Novell returned downstairs, the court heard.

The next morning, Novell asked the woman and another female “what’s your private parts worth?”, Mr Andronicus told the court.

Novell denied the incident when police spoke to him, saying he was drunk and had no collection.

Defence barrister Simone Bain said Novell developed depression and anxiety following a marriage breakdown.

She said Novell had become aware he needed to be cautious of alcohol and the incident was a “serious wake-up call” for him.

“All persons, including this woman, have the right to expect to be safe when in hotel rooms,” Judge Glenn Cash said.

Novell was sentenced to six months imprisonment wholly suspended for nine months.