Five months jail handed out at Derry Court for sexual assault on woman

A man has been jailed for five months at Derry Magistrate's Court today for a sexual assault on a woman.

Kenneth Hazlett (54) of no fixed abode admitted the offence that occurred on April 29 this year.

The court heard that the victim resided in sheltered accommodation and on the date in question she had taken a seat in the foyer of the establishment.

The defendant sat beside her and asked could he touch her breasts and made 'lewd comments' towards her.

The woman refused but Hazlett touched her anyway.

At interview Hazlett denied anything and said it was not in his nature to do such a thing.

But he did accept that he had drank a bottle of vodka that day which left his recollection hazy.

He said he had an interaction with the injured party but denied it was sexual. 

Defence counsel Sean Doherty said his client's guilty plea had saved the victim from having to give evidence.

He said Hazlett had shown 'genuine remorse' for his actions.

Jailing Hazlett for five months District Judge Barney McElholm imposed a Restraining Order for a period of three years forbidding the defendant from having any contact with the injured party.