Former landlord and Axminster sportsman jailed for sexual offences

A former landlord and Axminster sportsman, who played both football and cricket for local clubs, has been jailed for sexually assaulting three barmaids. 

Peter Hayball, aged 56, of South Chard, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Tuesday after standing trial for 13 offences relating to four women.

He was cleared of most charges but found guilty of three sexual offences by touching, committed between 2016 and 2018.

The landlord was said to have groped his staff members while attempting to put cash down their bras, often waiting until they were on their own to make lewd comments that he put down to his 'Carry On' humour. 

His actions were described as a "campaign of opportunistic sexual assaults on female members of staff while they were at work".

The women said they had been disgusted and frightened by his behaviour and left their jobs as a result.

Sentencing Hayball to 18 months in prison, recorder Christopher Quinlan QC said the women had been entitled to feel safe doing their work but instead were taken advantage of by an employer in a position of power.

Hayball said he has been shocked by the allegations made against him and his comments never went beyond a joke. He said the case had hung over him for four years, negatively impacting his mobile bar business and his mental health.