Pest given conditional discharge for harassing teen

A 30-year-old man who harassed a 15-year-old girl at Harbour Nights in August was today told his behaviour was “totally inappropriate” and “unacceptable”.

Sentencing Robert Branco in Magistrates’ Court this morning, Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner agreed a prison sentence wasn’t necessary and told the defendant he must take his medication for fetal alcohol syndrome.

“Your behaviour in this occasion and the way in which you approached and handled this young girl was totally inappropriate and unacceptable, if not criminal.”

Mr Warner said he did note Branco’s cognitive issues and the face that is under care at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

He sentenced Branco to a conditional discharge for 24 months and probation. The defendant must remain under the care of MAWI, take his medication and participate in programmes deemed necessary.

Branco, of Smith’s approached the young girl at Harbour Nights on Front Street on July 17 with two of herfriends.

He began to walk with them down Front Street and introduced himself to the girl.

Branco then asked her if she had a boyfriend. The girl said: “No, and I don't want one”.

The defendant then told the girl how old he was and that he was single.

The court heard Branco put his arm around the girl’s waist repeatedly and made her uncomfortable.

She asked him to stop repeatedly and pulled away each time.

The court heard the defendant then put his arms around her neck and again was told to stop by the victim.

Branco then grabbed her bra strap through her shirt and the girl had to tell him multiple times to let it go.

The court heard the girl was frightened of Branco and went inside a store to get away from him. He eventually left.

The victim’s father picked her up from the store and they reported the matter to police.

Branco was arrested the following day and the victim identified him in an identification parade.