A man has told a Bendigo court he sexually assaulted a woman to "annoy" her for coming into his room.
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Jason John Manson pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to sexual assault in relation to an incident in central Victoria last year.
Manson was a resident in supported accommodation for people with a disability at the time.
The victim, a worker at the accommodation, was in Manson's room talking to him when he reached over and touched her in the groin area.
The court heard Manson laughed when the victim said it was sexual abuse and she would call the police.
He told her he "didn't care" if police were called.
Manson admitted to police that he touched her, but said he did not know why.
On Wednesday, he told the court he did it because she came into his room and wrongly accused him of stealing keys, so he touched her because he wanted to annoy her.
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In a statement, the victim said the incident left her with fear and anxiety something similar would happen again, and she was unable to work as usual.
Before the incident, she said, she loved her job "very much".
The court heard Manson no longer lived at the facility.
Magistrate Patrick Southey noted Manson had no history of sexual offending and had not been in legal trouble for 12 years.
He also said Manson had mental health issues, and his moral culpability had to be reduced.
Manson denied having a problem with or disrespecting women.
Mr Southey said a large fine was a possible alternative penalty to imprisonment, but Manson said he would not be able to afford it and he would rather be "locked up".
The court heard a community corrections order would not be suitable.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Courtney Hughes said he agreed with a short jail term.
Mr Southey sentenced Manson to 14 days' imprisonment.
"It was a despicable crime," Mr Southey said, telling Manson that people such as his victim did a difficult job and needed to be protected.
Had Manson not pleaded guilty, he would have faced a three-month jail term.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
