Airline worker groped woman, assaulted co-worker after ‘too much alcohol’ in Fortitude Valley

A Brisbane airline worker groped a young woman and assaulted a co-worker after drinking in Fortitude Valley, which a magistrate labelled “despicable conduct”.

Godwyn Debao, sentenced for common assault of a colleague at a work Christmas party and groping a young woman in the Valley, leaving Brisbane Magistrates Court. Picture: Liam Kidston

An airline worker groped a young woman and assaulted a co-worker after drinking “too much alcohol”, a Brisbane court has heard.

Nauru Airlines worker Godwyn Debao, 46, faced Brisbane Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 5 for the two incidents.

He pleaded guilty to one count each of common assault and sexual assault.

The court heard the Seven Hills father had gotten into an argument with a colleague at their work Christmas party last December.

Debao had used his right arm to strike the other man in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

Magistrate Belinda Merrin said they had been at a licenced premises in Fortitude Valley at the time.

Around three-and-a-half months later, Debao offended once again after drinking in the Valley.

Debao had walked past a woman, 21, in the street after leaving a licenced premises in the area, Ms Merrin said.

Despite not knowing the woman, he then squeezed her behind.

Ms Merrin said Debao had initially told police it had been an accident.

She said both of his offences were serious and the result of Debao drinking “too much alcohol”.

“You, for your own gratification … groped a woman who is about the same age as your eldest daughter,” she said.

“If you’re not ashamed of yourself, you should be. It’s just despicable conduct.”

“Young women ought to be able to go out in public without fear of being raped by older men – or anyone.”

Ms Merrin accepted Debao had no criminal history and had expressed remorse for his actions.

She had previously adjourned the sentence some weeks ago to allow Debao to engage with alcohol misuse services, which she said he had done.

She said his wife and colleagues had also spoken highly of him in references provided to the court.

“You obviously work hard, and you have reached a very high level within your employment at Nauru Airlines,” she said.

Ms Merrin said she accepted that recording a conviction may impact his employment at Nauru Airlines.

She ordered that Debao serve a total of 120 hours of community service.

No convictions were recorded.