Man jailed for sexually assaulting woman as they danced in bar

A 31-year-old man has been jailed for six months for sexually assaulting a woman as they danced together in a Belfast bar.

Abrao Soares Raul of Scotch Street in Dungannon, County Tyrone, was also put on the sex offenders' register for seven years.

He was also given a five year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from entering relationships without disclosing details to a designated risk manager.

The judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court stated that his available sentencing powers were inadequate for dealing with the crime.

The court heard that Raul was arrested by police called to a bar on Botanic Avenue on 4 August last year.

Door staff had detained him after a woman reported the sexual assault to them.

"The injured party alleged that while dancing with the defendant, he placed his hand down her trousers inside her underwear, touching her genitals," a prosecution lawyer said.

"It was also alleged that he put his hands inside her top and touched her breasts."

During his initial dealings with police at the scene, Raul repeatedly said sorry and asked them to apologise to the woman, the court was told.

But the defendant then contested the charge only to be convicted in his absence.

A defence lawyer told the court Raul moved to Northern Ireland in 2015 to work as a factory welder.

Stressing his previous clear record, she added: "He has expressed a willingness to engage with community service."

However, District Judge Steven Keown held that he ultimately took no personal responsibility for what happened and continued to deny the offence.

Mr Keown also questioned why the case was not prosecuted in the Crown Court where tougher prison terms can be handed down.

"The maximum sentence I can impose is one of six months, which I have no hesitation (in doing) for a case taken to a contested hearing and which I feel is inadequate for the circumstances of this offence," the judge said.