A LANCASTER food store manager groped his female staff and was "sexually suggestive and verbally abusive", a court heard. Daniel Hogan, 22, committed a number of indecent assaults on his young female staff, aged between 16 and 23.

One of the girls stated Hogan had pinched her bottom, touched her breasts and "frequently talked about sex."

She felt intimidated by his age and the fact that he was manager of the store. Another girl said that Hogan had put price tickets on her breasts and groin area over the top of her clothing. She stated that he was "sexually suggestive and verbally abusive."

Another female told police that he had thrust his hips at her. He also made rude and salacious comments. Mr Simon Vaughan prosecuting said: " She felt somewhat helpless because of his position and age."

When interviewed by police, Hogan denied being sexually suggestive and accused his first victim of being a flirt. He said the women had made up the allegations through "fantasy or vendetta." Hogan, of Old Toll House, Tarleton, later pleaded guilty to three indecent assaults and has been sacked from the position of manager.

Mr Jeremy Lasker, defending, said "He mis-read the whole situation." He stated that his client had been given the job as manager when only 19 years old. He now worked as a chemical waste handler.

Judge Ian Webster ordered that Hogan should pay £900 in fines and £300 in costs. He said: " You grabbed those girls and you simulated sexual activity with them without touching their private parts."

He stated that the women had all suffered indignity. Hogan, who has recently married, will register as a sex offender for the next five years.

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