Brent Joel Anderson convicted at Casino court of sexual touching

A Lismore mechanic who groped a 19-year-old woman has blamed “impulsive behaviour” for his actions. See how the court dealt with the matter.

Brent Joel Anderson, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual touching without consent, offending against a 19-year-old woman. He was convicted and sentenced to a 30-month CCO and 150 hours of community service.

A Lismore mechanic who groped a 19-year-old woman has blamed “impulsive behaviour” for his actions.

Brent Joel Anderson, 36, was convicted at Casino Local Court for two sexually touch another person without consent charges.

The Bentley man pleaded guilty to the charges at a hearing on September 21 and remained at large on bail.

The first offence occurred in January, when Anderson grabbed the victim by the breast on the outside of her shirt, before she pushed him away and told him to stop, the court heard.

The second time, Anderson rubbed his hand on the victim’s thigh for several seconds.

Brent Joel Anderson was convicted of sexual touching without consent at Casino Local Court on November 10, 2022.

The victim said Anderson made her feel “dirty” and “uncomfortable”, the court heard.

“They are plainly extremely serious offences against a young victim,” Magistrate Kathy Crittenden said.

“This offending would have caused the young, vulnerable victim significant distress.”

The accused owns and operates ANDOS 4x4 Accessories & Mechanical with his wife, which is located at his Bentley home just outside of Lismore.

Making admissions to police, Anderson said it was “impulsive behaviour” and he felt he was being “invited” by the victim.

Anderson’s defence solicitor asked the court for a non-custodial sentence because his client had no history of sexual offending, adding that he would receive psychological support through community corrections and his family if he wasn’t jailed.

Ms Crittenden acknowledged Anderson had displayed a “level of insight” into the impact his offending had on the victim, as well as on his marriage.

Anderson was assessed as a low risk of reoffending, and was convicted and sentenced to a 30-month community corrections order. Anderson is also required to complete 150 hours of community service.