Woman sexually assaulted at Dalgety Bay barbecue

A 60-year-old Fife man has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a woman in a garage at his home during a barbecue.

In the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court was James Chisholm, of Morlich Court, Dalgety Bay.

He previously admitted that on 11th or 12th July 2015 at his home address he sexually assaulted the woman by attempting to touch her breasts, kissed her, forced his hand into her lower clothing and touched her private parts.

Chisholm avoided a jail sentence, unpaid work and also a restriction of liberty order. He was ordered to pay the victim compensation.

Defence solicitor Michael Bell said his client’s actions were “entirely without justification or excuse”.

“He had been drinking heavily during the barbecue and his judgement was impaired.”

They were in the garage and his clients told crude jokes and the woman’s reaction was “a little flirtatious” his client thought, the solicitor went on.

“Even if that was accepted it could not justify his conduct. He has not tried to apportion any responsibility to her. His guilty plea was because he did it.

“The lady stayed on at the party and the incident was over in a matter of seconds. He walked her home later and apologised.

“A day or so later he returned to her home and repeatedly apologised.

“It was clear at the time of the incident his approaches were in no way welcome.”

Mr Bell said his client was a first offender and he had the support of his wife who was with him in court.

Sheriff Craig McSherry imposed a community payback order with 12 months’ supervision. He also ordered Chisholm to pay the victim £1500 compensation and imposed a non-harassment order for three years.

Chisholm has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register.