Peter Brenden Shelley sentenced in Rockhampton court for sexual assault

A grandfather in his 70s who committed a “terrifying” sexual assault on a 24-year-old woman has been told he “should be thoroughly ashamed of himself”.

Peter Brenden Shelley leaving Rockhampton Courthouse. Picture: Aden Stokes

A 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a grandfather in his 70s while she was giving him a lift home after he had dropped his car off for a service.

Peter Brenden Shelley, 76, had dropped off his car and was driven home by the woman, the District Court in Rockhampton heard on May 8.

Crown prosecutor Matthew Sutton said Shelley spoke to the woman about sexual topics and touched her arm repeatedly during the car ride.

The court heard topics included talking about female pubic hair.

Mr Sutton said when they arrived at Shelley’s house he put his hand under the woman’s armpit and placed his fingers on her breast.

“She remained still and his hand remained there for some time,” he said.

Mr Sutton said Shelley eventually stopped and commented that he might be getting himself in trouble before exiting the car.

He said the woman reported the matter to police that day and that Shelley was arrested two days later and released on bail.

Mr Sutton said it would have been “terrifying” and “demoralising” for the woman.

“She was just doing her job,” he said.

“Everyone has a right to go about their job without being sexually assaulted yet the defendant committed this offence upon her.”

Defence barrister Sheridan Shaw said her client was apologetic and that the offence was out of character.

Ms Shaw said her client was single with one child and three grandchildren and was working as a bus driver “doing the school bus run” until he retired five to six years ago after he was diagnosed with diabetes and his eyesight began to deteriorate.

Judge Jeff Clarke said it was “incredibly concerning that no explanation was provided” for the sexual assault.

“Your conduct was very sleazy, quite disgusting and something you should be thoroughly ashamed of,” he said.

“People have a right to go about their daily life and work and not be groped by some dirty old stranger.”

Judge Clarke sentenced Shelley to four months prison, wholly suspended and operational for 18 months.

Shelley had pleaded guilty to the single count of sexual assault on April 17.