The owner of a local pizza restaurant has admitted to sexually touching a woman in his restaurant without consent.
Mario Baran, 55, of High Street in Royal Wootton Bassett pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually touching a woman in the restaurant he owns, Mario’s Pizza.
On September 18, 2024, Swindon Magistrate’s Court heard how Baran had offered the victim alcohol in his office and drank with her late into the night.
He then allegedly offered Nitrous Oxide – also known as laughing gas – to the victim, who took it voluntarily.
“Baran gave the victim gas before the assault took place rendering them less able to look after themselves,” said prosecutor Mr Burnham.
“The victim voluntarily took the gas from Baran and there was touching over the clothes without consent.”
Despite Baran pleading guilty to both counts of sexual touching without consent, defence lawyer Mr Jameson added: “He denied the gas supplied in an interview.”
The case has now been adjourned a pre-sentence report to be prepared, and Baran will next appear before Swindon Magistrate’s Court on October 28 for sentencing.
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