A CRICKHOWELL greengrocer was said to have "little respect for women" after being found guilty of sexually assaulting four women.
District Judge Parson told Raymond Grenfell he had an "arrogant disregard" for women and that it was "entirely inappropriate to say to women that they have a ’nice pair’ or that it’s ’nice you have them on show’" when sentencing him at Brecon Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, March 11.
Grenfell, who was described in a victim personal statement made by one of the victims as "vile", "wicked" and "evil" denied inappropriately kissing and touching the four victims who cannot be named, and was found guilty after trial.
Despite numerous character testimonials describing the former cub scout leader as a "caring, helpful person" and a "smashing person," Judge Parsons said he "entirely believes" the accounts of the four separate women.
David Elias defending the 69-year-old father of two said that any comments made by Grenfell were "banter" and that this was not a case where all four women were unconnected.
Mr Elias said that three of the women knew each other and the fourth only came forward after hearing "gossip" in such a close-knit community.
He said none of the women had come forward straight after the incident and that should be taken into consideration when deliberating.
When cross examining, prosecutor Kevin Challinor said that the defendant started out being "professional" with the victims before the relationship "developed with innuendos and sexual comments" and this became a "theme".
Grenfell denied these accusations and said that it "just didn’t happen".
In his summing up, Judge Parsons said he had heard from many sources outlining the defendant’s "good character" and that he was "positive this was true" after reading character references and statements from various members of the community.
He said: "I am unsurprised by what you said by way of background and you have worked long hours for nothing in return.
"You described yourself as a tactile person and said you knew which people you could say certain things to. It is obvious you are well respected and helpful but all four witnesses were entirely rational and genuinely hurt by giving their accounts."
He added: "Each case developed the same way and while they were late coming forward they didn’t think they were going to be believed. You were described as being ’clever’ by one of the victims and it was said you ’pick your opportunities.’ It takes courage to come forward in a close knit community and thankfully they did."
Grenfell was sentenced to a community order and must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work. He must pay prosecution costs of £750, a £60 victim surcharge and £1,000 compensation to each of the victims. This is to be paid in full within 28 days.
Grenfell must also sign the sex offenders register for five years.