A Scottish stripper has been convicted of sexual assault after a court determined he crossed boundaries with a bride-to-be during a performance. The incident, which took place at a hotel party, has raised questions about consent in entertainment and the accountability of performers.
The Incident
The victim, a 32-year-old bride-to-be, attended a celebration at the Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire, organized by her sister. She testified that she never wanted a strip act but was pressured to participate in the surprise show. The performer, Stuart Kennedy, entered the party dressed as a firefighter, turning the event into a staged routine. According to testimony, Kennedy forced her into simulated sexual acts, touched her without consent, and even grabbed her breasts during the routine. The woman said she cried and panicked in front of her friends, attempting to signal that she was not a willing participant.
Court Testimony
In court, the woman described feeling overwhelmed and frightened, though not in physical danger. She explained that she tried to endure the performance to avoid making the situation worse. However, as the routine escalated, she locked herself in the bathroom to escape further humiliation. Witnesses confirmed seeing the woman in visible distress. One of her sisters admitted regret over booking the entertainer, recalling how Kennedy grabbed the victim’s chest aggressively. Another sister, however, downplayed the incident, saying she didn’t recall anything unusual for a hen party. Despite conflicting accounts, Sheriff Paul Reid concluded the victim’s testimony was clear and consistent, noting her immediate distress ended the show prematurely.
The Conviction
Kennedy was found guilty of two charges: sexual assault through simulated oral sex and non-consensual touching of the woman’s breasts. He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register, with the judge stressing that nothing in her behavior suggested consent. Reid ruled that Kennedy took no reasonable steps to ensure consent was given or maintained. The performer defended himself by claiming his act was misinterpreted, suggesting movements were part of his routine set to the song “YMCA.” He denied deliberately touching the woman’s thighs or chest and insisted he had always received positive reviews throughout his nearly two-decade career.
Previous Convictions and Risks
Court officials revealed Kennedy had previously been convicted of a similar offense during a past performance. When asked about this history, he dismissed it as overblown and even suggested the publicity helped his career. Because of this prior conviction, the court warned he may face jail time. The judge emphasized that consent is essential and that Kennedy’s actions clearly ignored the victim’s discomfort. Officials also noted that if he had obtained consent, no crime would have been committed.
Wider Implications
The case highlights the importance of consent in all forms of entertainment, even when performances are meant to be humorous or lighthearted. It shows how what some might dismiss as part of the act can deeply affect individuals when boundaries are crossed. The conviction serves as a reminder that professional entertainers, regardless of reputation or routine, have a duty to respect personal boundaries. Kennedy’s sentencing is expected to reflect both the seriousness of the incident and his prior record. For the victim, the case marks a difficult but significant stand in ensuring her experience was acknowledged by the justice system.
