Prison officer escapes jail over disgusting acts

Glenn Anthony Ash, 51, of East Orange, appeared before magistrate Kevin Hockey, with the court hearing disturbing details of his behaviour which included masturbating in front of a female colleague and forcing her to touch his erect penis.

Ash appeared in person, supported by his wife, who gave evidence before sentencing

A number of the accused's victims were also among the court's gallery, clearly distressed as the offences were reviewed as part of the sentencing process.

At one stage police had to hand a box of tissues to the women, some of whom cried as the details of his behaviour were read out.

DPP solicitor Lisa Stueckradt made written submissions to the court, outlining how the offences took place inside the Bathurst jail over a 10-year period.

She said Ash, who had no prior criminal history, had formed a pattern of sexual behaviour towards female employees at Bathurst Correctional Centre when they were alone with the offender.

Among the allegations to which Ash pleaded guilty to were pulling his pants from his groin and asking the victim to "touch it", asking her if he could "look at her breasts" and rubbing complainants' backs and necks despite being told to stop.

The most serious of the conduct included Ash masturbating behind one complainant's door to the point of ejaculation, then grabbing her hand and placing it on his penis.

He also placed one victim's hand on his crotch while he had an erection, and asked another complainant to "rearrange him" while unzipping his pants, placing his erect penis into her back then grabbing her shirt.

Ms Stueckradt said it was the Crown's submission that full-time custody was an appropriate sentence with the need for specific and general deterrence "looming large".

She also noted the events occurred in the workplace where there was a position of trust exercised by the offender as a senior correctional officer.

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In making his submissions, Ash's solicitor, Stephen Russell said he wanted to make it clear his client's behaviour was "abhorrent".

Mr Russell submitted any sentence could be served by way of an intensive corrections order, saying his client was otherwise a person of good character. He said the conduct was an aberration, to which Mr Hockey said "it took place over 10 years".

He said Ash had since lost his career and also spoke of the stress his client was under at work.

In sentencing Mr Hockey said the offences were opportunistic and ranging in seriousness, and noted accused's plea of guilt at the first opportunity.

Mr Hockey restated the seriousness of the conduct saying "the behaviour of the accused was disgusting, abhorrent and well below the standards accepted by a person in the community, let alone a senior correctional officer."

For the three common assault matters, Ash was convicted and placed on a 12-month community corrections order.

The remainder of the offences, which included carry out a sexual act with another person without consent and sexually touch another person without consent were dealt with by way of an aggregate sentence of a two-year ICO to commence on February 15, 2022, and 200 hours of community service.