A MAN who assaulted a woman in a St Helier hotel in the early hours of New Year’s Day has been fined £1,500.
Philip John James (62) was caught on CCTV shouting at the woman and pushing her in the chest and lower neck, causing her to fall backwards onto a sofa in the foyer of the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel. He admitted the charge of common assault.
Legal adviser Kerry Grieve, prosecuting, told the Magistrate’s Court that James and the victim were both from the UK and had come to Jersey to celebrate the new year with friends from the Island.
They had been having a meal but the woman wanted to return to the restaurant early, whereupon James became annoyed.
“He pushed her, causing her to fall backwards, and stood over her in an aggressive manner,” Ms Grieve said.
The woman sustained a small bruise to her neck and phoned the police. Ms Grieve said: “In his police interview, he said he didn’t remember the incident, due to alcohol consumption.”
James had no previous convictions and Advocate Allana Binnie, defending, said: “This was entirely out of character for him. He is remorseful and apologetic.”
She also pointed out that it was a “low-level” incident.
Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke accepted it was a low-level assault but imposed a fine.
