Man used 'sick grandson' to lure woman for indecent assault

During sentencing, the magistrate described the offence as 'nothing short of horrendous' but did not send the man to jail

A man has avoided jail after pleading guilty to assault with act of indecency. Picture: Contributed

WHILE a magistrate described his actions as "nothing short of horrendous" an Ilarwill man has avoided a jail sentence for assaulting a woman with an act of indecency.

He had asked her to his place on the pretext of needing assistance with his sick grandson.

Peter Andrew Hemers, 51, appeared in Maclean Local Court on Tuesday for sentencing after pleading guilty to assault with act of indecency.

Hemers had known the victim for around six months when he knocked on her window at about 2am on July 7 this year. The victim saw Hemers outside without a shirt on.

Hemers told the victim his grandson was sick and needed her help but when the victim arrived at his house, Hemers said the grandson was not home.

Hemers then made a number of sexual remarks which made the victim uncomfortable and she attempted to leave the property when Hemers asked for a hug and attempted to manoeuvre the victim onto a lounge.

The victim managed to break free and when she turned to leave Hemers grabbed her by the hips and pulled her towards him. The victim told Hemers to get off her and when she turned she saw Hemers' penis visible and erect.

The victim was in shock and ran out of the house. About two weeks later she reported the incident to Yamba Police.

In Maclean Local Court on Tuesday Hemers' solicitor said he was distraught over what he did and said his actions were out of character. Hemers' solicitor said his alcohol abuse was a contributing factor to his offending behaviour.

Magistrate Annette Sinclair said she gave very serious consideration to a prison sentence and said the offence was "nothing short of horrendous" and the deception involved indicated a degree of planning.

Ms Sinclair said the only thing that kept Hemers out of jail was a lack of similar offences on his record.

Hemers, who also pleaded guilty for an unrelated charge of an act of indecency with a person 16 years or over, was sentenced to a 12-month Community Corrections Order and 100 hours of community service.

Originally published as Man used 'sick grandson' to lure woman for indecent assault