A CUMNOCK Sex Offender Robert Esquierdo has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman after being charged with grabbing her in a hotel bar.
Robert Esquierdo was found to have sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Hotel, Glaisnock Street, after appearing for trial at Ayr Sheriff Court.
The 35-year-old, Robert Esquierdo, had pleaded not guilty to an allegation of grabbing the woman’s genitals and buttocks over her clothing on September 30, 2023.
When he returned for a part-heard trial before Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart, a police officer told the procurator fiscal depute that he responded to an alleged incident at 9.30pm on the night, and the woman was “physically crying”, “very upset” and provided a statement.
The witness added that the accused was arrested processed in the usual manner, and gave a ‘no comment’ interview before being cautioned and charged.
Defence solicitor Robert Logan said the case “relied on CCTV” evidence, and the sheriff was “quite entitled to make up [her] own mind” but argued that the allegation was not proven “beyond reasonable doubt”.
Addressing the dock, Sheriff MacTaggart said: “I have taken very careful note of what was said and remember clearly the video.
“I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that you grabbed her over her clothing and accordingly find you guilty. The social work department will carry out a background report.
“I will continue consideration of a non-harassment order. You will now be subject to [sex offender] notification requirements.
“I think I can safely say it is not my intention to consider a custodial sentence.”
Speaking from the dock, Robert Esquierdo asked: “On that CCTV did you see no one else?”
The sheriff replied: “You can discuss that with Mr Logan.”
Bail was continued for Robert Esquierdo, of Kier Hardie Hill, Cumnock, who is due to return for sentencing at a later date.
UPDATE 11.02.25
Upon his return to court for sentencing at the end of last month, Mr. Logan requested a “period of supervision” in conjunction with his client being registered with the police, stating: “This is somewhat out of character.”
Sheriff MacTaggart assigned Robert Esquierdo to nine months of social work supervision as a component of a community payback order. He will continue to be included on the sex offenders register for the identical duration.
Robert Esquierdo was subjected to a stringent non-harassment order, prohibiting any interactions or communication with the complainant for the subsequent 18 months.
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