A Swindon man groped a female colleague’s breasts three times and told her they were “so nice”.
60-year-old pervert Graham McGovern pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual assault at Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (5 October).
Crown Prosecutor Kate Prince told of how the pair worked together at West and West Utilities, where McGovern, of Cricklade Road, worked as a logistics driver.
They had been engaged in a normal conversation ahead of the incident in June this year. He then walked towards her, put his arms over her shoulders and squeezed both her breasts for around five seconds.
His victim was said to have frozen in fear following the unwanted touching. Scared, she continued the conversation with McGovern despite wanting to walk away.
He then performed the same act on her, groping both breasts for around ten seconds on a second occasion. She immediately asked him to stop.
When McGovern made the comment “they are so nice”, his victim claims she felt a shiver down her spine and asked him to stop once again.
He did not – he attacked her one final time, this time touching the skin on her stomach as he reached up to her breasts. He then squeezed them for another few seconds.
He left the building and his victim is said to have burst into tears before phoning her mother for help and support. The police were informed a short time later.
Magistrates ordered an all options pre-sentence report. The case was adjourned until November and McGovern was released on conditional bail.
In response to his conviction, Sarah Hopkins, Wales and West Utilities’ People and Engagement Director told Wiltshire 999s that McGovern no longer works for the firm following the incident.
“We are aware of the conviction today of one of our former employees following allegations of sexual assault”, she said.
Continuing, Ms Hopkins added: “We were first made aware of the allegations against Mr McGovern in June 2021 and immediately worked to support the victim and investigate the issue.
“Following our anti-harassment policy and procedures, the allegations were formally investigated by our HR department along with senior management. We can confirm that following that investigation, Mr McGovern has not been employed by Wales & West Utilities since July 2021.
“We take all allegations of misconduct and harassment seriously and have robust anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and procedures in place.
“We have zero-tolerance for such behaviour and work to make sure that all colleagues are aware of the support that is available to them, so that every voice can be heard in a safe and understanding environment.”
