Maidstone Crown Court, where Nathan's case was heard

by Keith Hunt

A sozzled shop owner who groped a teenage girl while grieving over the death of his wife has been spared a jail sentence.

Roger Nathan, 67, had told the victim at The Village Fayre in Broadmead Village, Folkestone: "You look nice. I wish I was with you. If I was younger..."

After putting his arm around her and pulling her close, he suddenly touched her groin over her trousers.

Nathan, who lives in a flat above the newsagents and cafe in Perries Mead, admitted sexual assault and was sentenced to a community order with supervision for 24 months.

Maidstone Crown Court he had "alcohol issues" following the death of his wife Barbara in 2009.

Allister Walker, prosecuting, said the shop on a housing estate was popular with youngsters.

The 17-year-old victim was there with a friend on April 26 last year when Nathan interrupted their conversation, stood by them and made rude comments.

"you look nice. i wish i was with you. if i was younger..." – what roger nathan told the girl

At first the girl ignored it but she began to feel uncomfortable and tried to move away.

"He put his hand towards her groin and touched her," said Mr Walker. "She could feel pressure. He took his hand away and stepped back.

"The defendant had slurred speech. He was talking about the death of his wife and was upset."

When arrested, Nathan said he had been drinking at the time and put his arm around the girl "in a friendly way" and squeezed her.

Brett Weaver, defending, said Nathan had tried to deal with his drink problem by joining Alcoholics Anonymous.

"He has taken steps to diminish the risk of further offences by leasing the shop," said Mr Weaver. "He intends to move away from the area.

"It was unquestionably an unpleasant incident for the lady involved. The risk is diminished once he moves."

Nathan will receive alcohol treatment as part of the community order. His name will be on the sex offenders' register for five years.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said Nathan had led a blameless life until the death of his wife caused him to turn to drink.

But he told him: "You must be punished and the public must be protected from you from acts such as this. This matter does not fall for a term of imprisonment because of your particular circumstances."