A Swindon shop boss has been convicted of sexual assaults on five employees.
Laurence Norris-Ing was managing Sports Direct in Regent Street when he groped the staff members – three of which were teenage girls.
The 33-year-old pervert, of Garnet Crescent, initially denied the offences but later pleaded guilty and he was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court today (Tuesday).
He admitted sexually assaulting three girls aged under 18 and two women aged in their 20s while they were working between 2018 and 2021.
At a previous hearing, Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard that Norris-Ing touched the victims’ bodies over their clothing and groped their bottoms.
Recorder Crooknorth handed the defendant a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
He must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, complete a 43-session sex offenders’ programme and 240 hours of unpaid work.
Norris-Ing was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed for ten years – prohibiting him from having any unsupervised contact with any female child under the age of 18 whilst undertaking any employment or voluntary role.
Sgt Vaughan said: “During Norris-Ing’s employment at a retail shop in Swindon he has sexually assaulted (by touching) five members of female staff, three of which were under the age of 18 at the time.
“At the time the offences were committed Norris-Ing was working as the victim’s manager, abusing his position.
“I’d like to tell anyone who has been a victim of an offence to please come forward and speak to us.
“We understand reporting an offence can be difficult. We have specially trained officers who can listen and will work with you, and any partner agencies to support you in any way we can.
“Importantly, your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe.”
