A Darlington man’s disturbing violent and sexual behaviour has resulted in him being locked up.
Shaun O’Connor, known as ‘Chop-Off’, sexually assaulted two women, exposed himself to another, assaulted an innocent man and carried out a sickening sex act in a police station cell after his arrest.
The 40-year-old, who represented himself in court, regularly interrupted proceedings at Teesside Crown Court with outbursts of shouting and erratic behaviour whilst appearing via video-link from Durham Prison.
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Tabitha Buck, prosecuting, said the defendant grabbed a woman in the post office on Coleridge Gardens, Darlington, before gyrating in a sexual manner against her and making lewd remarks.
She told the court how O’Connor grabbed hold of the same woman again when she was outside after he had been asked to leave by staff.
Miss Buck said the defendant dropped his shorts and exposed himself to another woman shortly after the assault in the post office.
She said: “He has walked away before turning around, returning and grabbing hold of her.”
The court heard how police were called and O’Connor was arrested and taken to Darlington Police Station where he performed the sex act in front of a custody officer.
O’Connor also walked into the Dalesman Hotel despite being barred by staff, walked upstairs and was confronted by a woman.
Miss Buck said he grabbed her by the throat and kissed her before leaving the pub on Victoria Road where then slapped the bottom of another woman as he walked along the street.
She said the defendant had also assaulted a man outside the Greyhound pub on Parkgate when he punched him into the road where he collided with a stationary car before O’Connor grabbed hold of and dragged back onto the pavement causing a cut to the man’s head.
O’Connor, of Pateley Moor Crescent, Darlington, pleaded guilty to sexual assault, exposure, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Representing himself throughout the hearing, O’Connor said he apologised for his behaviour.
He said: “I have pleaded guilty. I appreciate your time and I appreciate that I have been safe while in prison.”
Judge Howard Crowson sentenced O’Connor for a total of two years for all the offences.
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Despite being constantly interrupted by a disruptive and agitated O’Connor, the judge told him that the incident in the Post Office had been ‘pestering and persistent’ of his victim.
He said: “You grabbed her, slapped her bottom and were saying some quite unsavoury things to her.”
O’Connor was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years as a result of his conviction.
Judge Crowson said his two charged of exposure was extremely unpleasant behaviour for the woman adding that the police don’t go to work to witness that type of conduct.
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