Chef sentenced for sexual assault

A head chef at a Michelin Star restaurant tried to cover up a sexual assault by using a fake Whatsapp generator.

Shannon White, 31, attacked the woman at The Chubby Castor, in Peterborough Road, Castor, at about 1pm on 18 October 2024.

The victim, aged in her 20s, rejected his advances but he ignored her and put his hands around her neck, applying pressure and whispering sexual comments.

White sexually assaulted her, touching the victim several times and resisting her attempts to push him away.

When White’s phone was examined, it was found he had used a fake Whatsapp generator to create a message pretending it had been sent by the victim to him to use as his defence.  

On Monday, 26 January, at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, White, of Verde Close, Eye, near Peterborough, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, having been found guilty of sexual assault by a judge.

He has also been handed a two-year restraining order against the victim.

DC Stacey Caley, who investigated, said: “White shamefully attacked the victim and then used a fake app in an attempt to cover up his tracks. 

“Although the sentence was not custodial, I hope it reassures the victim that justice has been done. It also highlights how seriously we take all allegations of violence against women and girls. If you or someone you know has been a victim, we urge you to get in touch.”

For information and support concerning sexual offences visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.