Groper ordered to pay compensation

The artistic director of a hair salon from South Staffordshire has been told to pay compensation to a young hairdresser he tried to grope.

Ordering Steven Mew to take part in a sex offender programme, a judge at Warwick Crown Court told him he needed to learn how to treat women.

Mew, aged 34, of Holly Lane, Great Wyrley, near Cannock, had denied sexually assaulting his teenage victim, but pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault.

David Swinnerton, prosecuting, told how Mew, who worked for a top Birmingham salon, and the girl were at a hair colouring competition at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull.

Mew, who she did not know, engaged her in conversation outside.

He suggested she could be used as a model and patted his hands over her body. Mew stood behind her with his hands on her waist and made a lewd suggestion, told Mr Swinnerton.

The shocked girl said no, but Mew ignored her and reached down with his right hand to touch her, but she pushed his hand away.

Jason Aris, defending, said: "He appreciates his behaviour was out of order."

Mew was given a community order with three years' supervision.

Judge Trevor Faber also ordered him to pay £1,000 compensation to his victim and £750 costs.