An social club manager has been accused of sexually assaulting two male teenage employees.
Scott Doughty denies seven offences against two staff at Greshams Sports and Social Club, Ipswich, between 2015 and 2017.
The 46-year-old’s trial began at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Doughty, of Parliament Road, is alleged to have sexually touched or pinched the bottom of both employees on multiple occasions.
He is also accused of touching the penis region of both males, instructing one to bend over before touching his bottom, and touching or pinching the bottom and testicle area of the other.
One of the complainants also alleges Doughty touched or held his groin and nipple area.
Becky Owen, prosecuting, said Doughty had been in charge of young staff employed in waiting, bar and kitchen work, and other ancillary functions.
She said the culture was “inappropriately sexually charged” with behaviour targeted towards the two males.
“The touching was sexual and they didn’t consent,” she added.
“They didn’t complain at the time because they were scared of the repercussions.”
The court heard evidence from one alleged victim, who said Doughty had initially come across as friendly and welcoming, but that he felt uncomfortable in his company after a few shifts.
“He started by pinching my bottom,” he told the court.
“At first, I saw it as lighthearted, but the continuous pinching and comments made me embarrassed.
“He would say things like ‘if I were 30 years younger’, implying he might try it on, or he would say ‘you’re gorgeous, you are’.
“I thought it would jeopardise my position if I said anything, but that if I laughed it off, everything would be OK.”
Ian Persaud, defending Doughty, called the allegations “nonsense”.
He said the alleged victim knew Doughty as a flamboyant gay man, full of jokes and innuendo aimed at others and himself, and was “touchy-feely” by nature. He said comments “incorporated” into evidence had been said to others and taken in good humour.
“It was all part of the boyish banter that existed at Greshams,” he told the alleged victim.
“You knew Mr Doughty was strict on people providing proper costumer service. It wouldn’t do for him to be seen brushing your penis.”
The trial continues.
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