AN elderly man who rubbed himself against a woman in a charity shop has been placed on a good behaviour bond.
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Bryan Frederick Johnston, 81, of Tait Crescent, Warrnambool, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to sexual assault.
He was without conviction placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Police said that at 10.45am on August 6 Johnston was in the Salvation Army thrift shop in Lava Street.
A woman was looking at a button display and Johnston twice walked past.
He squeezed against her with his groin touching her bottom.
There was contact for about two seconds, she pushed back, told Johnston to go away and she claimed he grinned at her.
A complaint was made and police reviewed security camera footage.
When interviewed Johnston said any contact was not intentional.
Defence counsel Xavier Farrelly said Johnston was stressed, suffering health issues and not sleeping well at the time of the incident.
He said it was opportunistic offending unable to be explained by his client, who was embarrassed and wanted a public apology to the victim.
Magistrate Peter Mellas said Johnston had taken advantage of a situation and because he as now not as active as he was he should consider joining other social groups.
