Man (64) guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager at New Year's Eve party

Thursday, 5 September 2024 14:22

Gordon James Burnett has been found guilty at Jersey's Royal Court of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a New Year's Eve party.

The 64-year-old, from the UK, 'accosted' the girl, whom he did not know, putting his arm around her before going up her skirt and into her underwear.

The assault happened shortly after the turn of the New Year.

Burnett had travelled to the island specifically for the celebrations at a private home.

The teenager told someone about the sexual assault the same night and Burnett was arrested at his hotel.

On being found guilty of sexual touching without consent, the UK resident has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 18 October 2024.

Detective Constable Ben Casson from the Public Protection Unit says he wishes to thank the victim in this case for her courage, resilience and determination to see this through.

"At SOJP we recognise how hard it can be for victims to come forward and wish to reassure the public that we, and the services we work alongside, will do everything in our power to support victims of sexual abuse whether or not they wish to pursue a criminal case.”