A drunk dad who groped a naked dancer at an Aberdeen strip club then threatened to slit the throat of a bouncer is “ashamed” of his behaviour, a court has been told.
Scott Higgins sexually assaulted the woman during a private dance at Number 7 Club in Aberdeen city centre.
He and the woman went to a private room at the Crown Street club where he broke the strict “no touching” rule by handling her breasts and bottom.
The 38-year-old then fell asleep at the bar before threatening door staff, Aberdeen Sheriff Court was told.
Told there was no-touching allowed
Fiscal depute Dylan Middleton previously told the court how the woman told Higgins was “repeatedly told him to stop touching her”.
Higgins later came to the attention of a door steward who found him appearing to fall asleep on the bar at 1.50am.
The fiscal added: “He was told to finish his drink and leave and when the doorman and a colleague attempted to escort the accused towards the exit he was heard to say ‘there’s going to be trouble here’.
“He then threatened to slit the doorman’s throat.”
Higgins left the strip club but was later traced by police before being arrested and charged.
Memories of night are ‘vague’
Higgins pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards staff at the club.
His defence agent Ian Woodward-Nutt said the father-of-one had consumed “significant quantities” of alcohol on the night and ended up at the club having been separated from his friends.
“His recollection of events is extremely vague,” he added. “He recalls going to the club and he understands that he agreed to purchase a dance from the complainer.
“What happened thereafter is that he assumed a seated position, as I understand is the custom, and she removed her clothing and was naked.
“The dance involved her sitting upon him in a state of undress and conducting what is known as a dance.
“It was in that context that the offence was committed.
“I understand the rule at the club is a no-touching rule. He broke that rule by touching her breasts and buttock.”
Groping was fuelled by drink
The solicitor added that “context” was very relevant and that it placed the offence at the “lower in the spectrum”.
He added that Higgins accepts his behaviour was “entirely unacceptable” and that his client told social workers he felt “ashamed” and showed “genuine remorse”.
Sheriff Lesley Johnston told Higgins: “I accept this was an isolated incident fuelled by your state of inebriation.”
She ordered Higgins, of Balcarres Road, Musselburgh, to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work and remain under supervision for one year.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register for the same period of time.
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