Melbourne, Australia — A suspended lawyer has been convicted and fined $5,000 for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl outside a kebab shop. Glenn Thexton, 46, maintains that he did not inappropriately touch the young woman during the incident, which occurred on September 25, 2019.
Following a ten-day contested hearing, Magistrate Andrew Waters found Thexton guilty of a single charge of sexual assault. The verdict was delivered to Thexton on April 22, with Waters describing the act as “quick and opportunistic” but significant enough to warrant legal consequences.
On that night, Thexton was out with friends when he encountered the victim outside the kebab shop after she had attended an underage event with peers. Although Thexton engaged in conversation with the girl’s friends and offered to take them to a bar, they declined his invitation. He later entered the kebab shop but left without making a purchase. As he passed by the group of girls, he reportedly grabbed or squeezed the girl’s left buttock with his left hand.
Waters determined that the action was intentional and sexual in nature, despite it being brief and over clothing. Noting the disparity in ages—Thexton was 40 at the time—the magistrate stated that Thexton, being a legal professional, should adhere to a higher standard of conduct.
During sentencing, the magistrate acknowledged the delay in charging Thexton as well as his lack of prior criminal history. He also pointed out that Thexton had not re-offended in the subsequent six years. Nonetheless, Waters emphasized the impact of the assault on the young victim, highlighting her right to enjoy a night out without the concern of unwanted contact.
Despite the conviction and suspension from practicing law, Thexton has expressed intentions to appeal the ruling. He stated he did not knowingly engage in any form of contact with the complainant, asserting that the court’s decision held him to a higher standard than warranted.
In light of these developments, the magistrate remarked on the broader implications of the case, stressing that all individuals, particularly those in positions of authority, must be held accountable for their actions.
The legal proceedings, including Thexton’s upcoming appeal, are likely to draw attention to issues of consent and accountability, particularly in relation to individuals who hold public trust.
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