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The former owner of steak-and-sushi restaurant Shinzo has been found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a woman, and attacking another.
Gavin Neil Roberts (44) was on trial in the Royal Court this week, charged with two counts of common assault against one woman, and one count of grave and criminal assault, one count of rape, and two counts of sexual penetration without consent against another woman.
He had already pleaded guilty to two more counts of grave and criminal assault against the second woman shortly before the jury in the trial was selected.
During the course of a trial that lasted more than a week, the jury heard from the two women as well as from the second woman's best friend, and from officer-in-charge DC Carla Garnier.
The court heard at the opening of the trial last week that the two alleged victims’ reports to the police were made independently of one another.
Outlining the case, the prosecution said Roberts would often lash out while drunk, and that the pressures of running a restaurant business fuelled his drinking.
Roberts also took to the stand. He denied that any of the attacks described had happened, except those he had already admitted.
However, after just over three-and-a-half hours of deliberation, a jury found Roberts unanimously guilty on all counts today.
Roberts has been remanded in custody until sentencing.
The Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq, was presiding. Crown Advocate Matthew Maletroit appeared for the prosecution and Advocate David Steenson for the defence.
Following the sentencing, Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support, a government-run support agency for victims of sexual assault, said: "We would like to commend the courage of the victim-survivors in these cases, who gave evidence over several days and demonstrated extreme resilience and determination in very difficult circumstances.
"The verdict sends a clear message that victims voices will be heard and that abuse such as this will not be tolerated by society or the courts."
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Islanders affected by any of the issues raised in this report can contact any of the following:
SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Confidential helpline: 01534 482800.
Freeda (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge) offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) is an independent service developed to protect and support victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 880505.
Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496.
Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612.
Samaritans offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to people who need to talk. Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).
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