A Victorian paedophile accused of harassing two young female tourists and touching a third on the buttocks at a Wollongong hotel allegedly told police he saw nothing wrong with his actions.
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Wollongong Local Court heard Sean Broaders had an extensive criminal history involving unwanted sexual acts towards women and children, with police claiming he has shown a “distinct and deliberate pattern” of preying on the vulnerable.
The most recent charges centre on Broaders’ alleged behaviour towards three women staying at the Sage Hotel on January 19.
Court documents said two 18-year-old hotel guests were returning from a walk on the beach when they noticed Broaders sitting on a bench seat outside the hotel, staring directly at them.
He spoke to them briefly, then followed them into the hotel foyer while licking his lips “in a really creepy and disgusting manner”, the women claim.
They told police Broaders’ actions made them feel uncomfortable and they were fearful of what else he might do, prompting them to duck into the female toilets in the foyer to get away from him.
The pair contacted family members from inside a cubicle, only exiting when those relatives arrived at the hotel.
The matter was reported to hotel staff, who obtained CCTV footage of the incident.
Meanwhile, Broaders allegedly approached a third woman outside the hotel the following afternoon.
The 33-year-old told police Broaders followed her to the reception desk and pressed his hand firmly against her buttocks while she was filling out paperwork.
She said Broaders was the only person behind her when she turned around.
The woman finished checking in, at which time Broaders allegedly walked to the lift and gestured for her to enter with him.
She told police she felt “extremely uncomfortable and intimidated” by Broaders’ behaviour and retreated to the reception desk for help.
Police arrived a short time later and arrested Broaders. He was charged with sexual touching and two counts of stalking/intimidation.
When interviewed by police, the 55-year-old allegedly told them he thought it was okay to touch the older woman as she’d said hello to him prior to the incident and he’d done it “just for fun”.
Officers said Broaders saw no issue with his behaviour towards any of the women because he “didn’t get horny about it”.
He sought release on court bail following his arrest but it was denied on account of his lengthy criminal history and the strong case against him.
The matter will return to court on February 12 for plea or mention.