A Bedworth chef who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl has avoided an immediate prison sentence after being convicted following a three-day trial.
Wayne Kernaghan, 36, of Chiffon Road, Bedworth, was found guilty of sexually assaulting the teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
Kernaghan was initially arrested on 10 October 2024 on suspicion of sexually assaulting a female aged 13 or over and was subsequently released on bail.
He was later charged by postal requisition and required to appear before magistrates on 23 April.
The case was sent to Warwick Crown Court, where Kernaghan appeared on 27 May and again on 1 July.
Following a three-day trial, he was convicted of sexual assault.
Suspended prison sentence
Kernaghan returned to Warwick Crown Court on 27 August, where the judge sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, meaning he will not go to jail immediately.
The court also imposed a restraining order and ordered him to carry out unpaid work and pay costs and a victim surcharge.
Kernaghan must also register with Warwickshire Police as a sex offender for ten years.
