County Derry man (57) convicted of sexually assaulting two women while on his Christmas work night out

A County Derry man who sexually assaulted two women while on a night out with his work colleagues last December has been convicted at a local court.

Eamon Bacon, of Mount Eden in Limavady, appeared before the town's magistrates court earlier today charged with three counts of sexual assault.

The court heard that the incident happened on December 9 2023 in licensed premises in the Limavady area.

Police were contacted by a manager from the establishment, who claimed that two female employees had allegedly been sexually assaulted by 57 year-old Bacon, who was on a work night out.

One of the employees claimed that Bacon had grabbed her backside while a second worker stated that she had felt a hard thrust against her backside which forced her against the table. The same employee said Bacon then proceeded to rub his pelvic area against her before slapping her on the backside. She claimed he then giggled and walked away.

A barrister for Bacon said that his client has no previous criminal record and has never been before a court before.

He said Bacon claimed it was his first night out in a number of years and CCTV had shown him at one point in the evening being carried out of the establishment by his colleagues as he was highly intoxicated.

“If ever there was a cautionary tale, especially for males, this is it,” said the barrister, who said Bacon's actions later led to his dismissal from work.

He added that while Bacon's wife is supportive of him, the incident has put a strain on their marriage.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said the incident was 'alcohol-fuelled' adding that parties 'can also cause problems'.

The judge sentenced Bacon to 12 months probation.