Alexander Grossart, 53, was sentenced at Newcastle Moot Hall on Friday for sexually assaulting a man in a park in the North East. The incident occurred while Grossart was walking his chihuahua and struck up a conversation with another male dog walker under the pretense of arranging a dog play-date.
Assault details
Prosecutor Glenn Gatland told the court that Grossart sat beside the victim on a park bench and began making sexually suggestive comments. He then showed the man a distinctive scar on his neck before placing his hand on the man's lower back and touching his buttocks. When the victim tried to leave, Grossart pushed him to the ground and sexually assaulted him while attempting to kiss him. The assault ended when the victim's phone rang, causing Grossart to flee.
Investigation and guilty plea
Police tracked Grossart down using the address he had given the victim and the description of the scar on his neck. Initially, Grossart denied being in the park. He later pleaded guilty to sexual assault on the day of his trial. The court heard that Grossart had two previous convictions for battery.
Victim impact
In a victim statement, the man described feeling 'numb' and 'uncomfortable with human contact' after the assault. He said, 'I feel violated and angry at myself for not doing more to defend myself.' The victim added that he felt 'dirty' and was 'constantly punishing myself,' and that he ultimately rehomed his dog as a result of the trauma.
Sentencing
Defense lawyer Jennifer Coxon noted an 'acceptance of guilt, but a reluctance to fully disclose the reasons why the offence occurred,' adding that the offence was 'very old.' Recorder Toby Hedworth sentenced Grossart to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete 30 rehabilitation days. Grossart will also be on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.
