Robert Branco Given Two Years Probation

Robert Branco, 29, who had pleaded guilty to intruding on the privacy of a 15-year-old, was today [Nov 29] given a two year Conditional Discharge with the condition that he stay on Probation for two years.

The Court previously heard that in July 2013 at Harbour Nights, Mr Branco had approached the teenager. He lifted her up and put her down, asking how much she weighed, and also put his arm around her waist and neck and gripped her bra strap. She objected and ran into a Front Street shop.

This decision was handed down by Senior Magistrate Archie Warner who had reviewed a Social Inquiry Report and a Psychiatric Report on Mr Branco. Mr Branco’s lawyer Peter Farge also supplied a Psychological Report which indicated that Mr Branco suffered from Fetal alcohol syndrome.

Mr Farge told the Magistrate that on 17th July, Mr Branco had not taken his medications for that day. Handing down his decision, Senior Magistrate Archie Warner said that the SIR had indicated that Robert Branco was more of a nuisance than a predator.

The Magistrate said that the way in which Robert Branco had approached the young lady was inappropriate and unsatisfactory.

The Magistrate said that Branco’s psychological issues affected his behaviour and that he must continue to receive medical help and take his prescribed medications.

The two year Probation Order requires Mr Branco to remain under the care of MAWI, and participate in and complete programs that are designed to help him.

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Category: All, Court Reports, Crime