By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 11:40, Tuesday, 01 May 2012

A man who had drunk 30 pints groped a woman when he went to wish her a Happy New Year.

Nineteen-year-old Andrew Donegan, of Botcherby Avenue in Carlisle, had denied a sex assault but was convicted following a trial at the city magistrates court.

Prosecutor Vicki Agullo told the court that the police were called to a disturbance in Botcherby Avenue shortly after midnight on December 31, 2010 when several people were seen arguing.

Donegan went up to a woman to give her a hug and wish her Happy New Year, he said, but the woman waved him away.

He was then said to have touched her chest and put his hand up her skirt.

Geoff Clapp, defending, said Donegan had been out that evening and drunk 30 pints.

He denied committing the offence and said he was staying with his mother at the time.

Donegan was picked out of an ID parade by the victim but went to live with his father in Glasgow for two years and was not traced.

District judge Gerald Chalk said the case relied on identification evidence and the victim saw him close-up in good street lighting.

The case was adjourned until May 28 for reports. Donegan was warned he could face custody.

First published at 11:25, Tuesday, 01 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk