Pensioner molested usher in courtroom

(First Edition)

A PENSIONER fondled a court usher's breast and molested a policewoman who came to her aid while magistrates discussed his bail application on an indecent assault charge, a court was told this week.

Thomas Jones, 66, of Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, was put on probation for two years after the assaults at Sedgefield Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Stephen Orange, for the prosecution, said Jones had appealed for bail after an alleged assault on a woman in a chip shop, saying doctors had considered he was not a risk. While the court adjourned to consider the application, Jones and the usher were left alone in the courtroom. He touched her breast and when the police were called, he also touched a female officer.