A local restaurant owner who was found guilty in 2022 of sexually assaulting a woman is appealing his conviction after being granted a conditional discharge last week.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred more than three years ago. The victim was employed by Subramaniam at the time. Denunciation is the key sentencing principle in this case, followed by the need to deter others in similar positions, as well as deterring Subramaniam, the assistant Crown attorneys argued.
The conduct he was found guilty of was momentary, without threats or violence, and there is no evidence of any similar behaviour with any other employee or female, the defence argued.He also pointed to the gravity of the offence, indicating there were two perspectives that must be considered. They included anxiety, depression, and a residual state of mind that has caused her to be uncomfortable around men who are in "higher positions."