The owner of a fish and chip takeaway in Swindon has been found guilty of attempted sexual assault after he put his hand down a female customer's top.

Fikret Ozut, of Winwick Road in Freshbrook, has been the owner of Grill and Fish Bar in Freshbrook since 2013, and has been described as a 'man of previous good character'.

But on May 2, 2024, Ozut stood before Swindon Magistrates' Court and was found guilty of attempting to sexually assault a customer.

The court heard how the 50-year-old had been working at the takeaway on December 8, 2022, when a female customer entered with her wife and placed an order.

“Having placed the order, she moved away from the tills and waited while the food was prepared," said prosecutor Keith Ballinger.

"When the food was ready she approached the counter approximately two feet away from Mr Ozut and reached out for the food.

"He put his right hand down her t-shirt through the neck hole and says his hands were down her t-shirt for a couple of seconds.

“The victim shouted at him to get his hands out and he responded ‘I was just warming my hands up, am I not allowed?"

Swindon Advertiser: The attempted sexual assault took place at The Grill and Fish Bar in Freshbrook, Swindon.The attempted sexual assault took place at The Grill and Fish Bar in Freshbrook, Swindon. (Image: Google Maps)

The court also heard that Ozut went to grab the woman by her left arm as she backed away and left the store.

When interviewed by police, the fish bar owner denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was later found guilty at a trial reviewing the evidence.

“The victim said the incident made her feel dirty and since then she has become very anxious around people, especially men," added Mr Ballinger.

“She has been on antidepressants because she has been having panic attacks daily and feels scared to leave her own home.”

Swindon Advertiser: Fish bar owner Fikret Ozut denied all allegations made against him.Fish bar owner Fikret Ozut denied all allegations made against him. (Image: Fikret OzuT)

Defence lawyer Ms Donovan said Ozut had no previous convictions and "prior to this offence was of good character."

“He is the father of four children and is the sole breadwinner for his family."

Ozut has now been sentenced to a 12-month community order, up to 30 rehabilitation activity days, and must pay a total cost of £1010 for his crime.

This is made up of a £276 fine, £114 surcharge and £620 court costs for the trial.

“You have been found guilty of an attempt of sexual assault on a female," said the chair of the magistrate's bench Ian Dandy.

“We believe the act you committed was a poor choice of judgement and has had a detrimental effect on the victim.”