Councillor who kissed 16-year-old sentenced for sex assault (From Halesowen News)

Councillor who kissed 16-year-old sentenced for sex assault

11:30am Thursday 28th January 2010 in News

Ian Hillas

A TORY councillor who kissed a 16-year-old Cradley Heath girl as they danced at the end of a birthday party has been given a 12 month conditional discharge.

The sexual assault in a "moment of utter madness" by Ian Hillas, a former deputy leader of Solihull Council, had ruined his life and his reputation, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told yesterday (Wednesday).

Judge Michael Challinor told the 43-year-old he had now been "branded as a sex offender."

He said the teenage girl had suffered "disquiet and distaste" by the actions of Hillas adding: "The real punishment for you has been the process of prosecution."

Mr Timothy Sapwell prosecuting said Hillas attended the party at the girl's Cradley Heath home and they were dancing in the early hours to the Travis record "Why does it always rain on me?"

It was when the record changed to a song called "Love" that Hillas kissed the girl who then went upstairs to her father and told him what had happened.

Hillas was ordered out of the house and, after his arrest, told police officers they had been dancing closely and he kissed her after what he thought was a "look between them."

The girl, said Mr Sapwell, had been shocked and upset.

Hillas, of Oakwood Croft, Solihull admitted sexual assault and was ordered to pay the teenage girl £500 for the emotional grief she had suffered.

He was also ordered to pay £2,151 costs must register as a sex offender for a year.

The Judge said he was satisfied Hillas did not pose a danger to the public and there was no need for steps to be taken to prevent further offending.

The Judge ruled there was no need to disqualify Hillas from working with children in the future.

Sarah Buckingham defending said Hillas is a hard working councillor whose life had been destroyed. She said: "He has suffered public humiliation and he has been socially and professionally excluded."