A CONVENIENCE store owner has been told to address his “grossly inappropriate” behaviour, after a conviction for sexual assault on a young woman.

Sivasthiyaselan Sivashanmugam was told he needs to work with the Probation Service to learn his “sexual boundaries” after he received a community order at Durham Crown Court.

The 55-year-old defendant, who runs the Lifestyle store in Church Street, Shildon, plus other premises in Ferryhill and South Shields, previously denied two counts of sexual assault, relating to separate complainants.

He denied both counts at an earlier hearing, but on the opening day of his scheduled trial, he changed his plea to guilty to one of the charges.

Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, said it was considered “acceptable” by the Crown and the other charge would lie on the file.

The sentencing hearing was told the defendant, who at times was said to have drunk heavily, took an unhealthy interest in the victim’s lifestyle, asking if she had a boyfriend.

Mr Walker said she said she had, hoping he would “back off”.

But he told her friends of his would be able to give her a baby, and, despite being told she was not interested, he persisted in the behaviour, often ringing her on her mobile phone.

Mr Walker said he made other offers, which she rejected, but he at times became, “overtly physical” and grabbed her bottom, while he would also cuddle her, despite her trying to resist.

When interviewed, Sivashanmugam, denied the allegations, which he partly repeated in his pre-sentence probation report.

But his barrister, Robert Mochrie, said his client now “resiles” from those comments.

Judge Jonathan Carroll said told Mr Mochrie: “At best, he seems to have a limited appreciation of the discomfort his conduct can have with women.”

Passing a 12-month community order, with 100-hours’ unpaid work and five rehabilitation days with the Probation Service, Judge Carroll told the defendant he behaved in, “a grossly inappropriate” manner and must learn the “sexual boundaries” he should adhere to in future.

Sivashanmugam, said to be of Gorleston, Norfolk, will be subject to sex offender registration for five years.