Pizza shop owner Michael Gerges to be sentenced for watching woman urinate at Woolshed nightclub
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Pizza Shop
A pizza shop owner who snuck into the female toilets of an Adelaide nightclub and watched a woman urinate has assured his victim he did not take photos of her.
Michael Sabry Ibrahim Gerges, 33, of Paradise, peered over the cubicles at the Woolshed on Hindley Street in the early hours of January 28, 2019.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of offensive behaviour in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Venue’s Security
Police have alleged the woman went into the second-floor toilets of the nightclub and, while urinating, saw Gerges watching her over the top of the cubicle.
He had gone by the time she finished, they said, but she informed the venue’s security.
When she returned to the toilets later in the night, it was alleged she again saw Gerges peering into the cubicle.
At this week’s hearing, prosecutors said the offence was premeditated and asked Magistrate Michelle Sutcliffe to impose a term of imprisonment that could be suspended.
But, through his lawyer, Gerges said he owned a pizza shop at Munno Para and was concerned about retaining his liquor licence.
Behaviour On The Night
A psychological report presented to the court said his behaviour on the night took place while he was intoxicated and under “stress overload” caused by his parents’ poor health.
Despite having no recollection of the incident, Gerges said he was very sorry and felt great shame and moved to reassure the victim he did not take any photographs of her.
He asked the magistrate not to record a conviction and instead release him on a good behaviour bond.
Ms Sutcliffe said she needed more time to consider the matter and adjourned the case for sentencing next week.