A predator who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl in a Dundee flat claimed his attack was similar to “a fumbling teenager on a first date”.
Victor Don, 53, indecently touched the child while she was left alone in his company.
A court heard how Don’s victim felt “paralysed” by the abuse at the paedophile’s hands.
The offences came to light after the girl disclosed the attack to a former partner earlier this year.
Don has now been placed on the Sex Offenders Register ahead of sentencing at Dundee Sheriff Court next year.
After being questioned by the police, Don sent text messages and emails saying the attack was a “brief lapse of judgement”, adding that the child “did not appear hurt.”
Don described the incident as “light petting” which amounted to a “fumbling teenager on a first date.”
Attack suddenly stopped
Prosecutor Emma Farmer explained Don and the child were the only people within the flat at the time of the incident.
“The accused entered the kitchen where the complainer was and, initially, everything was okay.
“However, the accused commented about how pretty she was.
“The accused has then touched the complainer on the bottom, before proceeding to unzip the top she had on, before putting his hands inside the top.”
The attack continued for several minutes and moved from the kitchen to near a bedroom door.
Miss Farmer added: “The complainer said she was shocked at this and felt paralysed given the close proximity to the bedroom door.
“She had significant concerns.
“All of a sudden, the accused stopped what he was doing.
“The complainer described it as though the accused had realised what he was doing
was wrong.”
Don then told the girl to go the living room before “acting as if nothing had happened.”
Seeking help
During his interview with police, Don made admissions about the attack.
The court heard how the victim is still receiving help for anxiety.
On the day he was due to stand trial, Don, a first offender, pled guilty to sexually assaulting the child on an occasion between April 16 and 18, 2018.
Solicitor Lee Qumsieh said Don, of Dundee, had referred himself to a service which aims to help sexual offenders.
He told the court: “Mr Don was quite candid and frank with the police.
“He was also clear that he recognises how wrong his conduct was.
“He will have to live with this for the rest of his life.”
Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC bailed Don and deferred sentence until January for social work reports to be prepared.
