Real estate grub has his licence torn up after grabbing a woman’s hand and telling her to touch his genitals during job interview
- Broker had license suspended
- He preyed on two women during job interviews
An estate agent who was caught targeting young women during job interviews will not be allowed to work in the sector, a court has been told.
Steven Tabban, 39, returned to the Victorian County Court on Wednesday for an interim sentence after pleading guilty to two charges of sexual assault.
Lawyer Emman Turnbull argued the court should impose a fine or good behavior bond and said the 20-year property veteran’s license was revoked in August last year as a result of the offence.
βIt was his identity, it was who he was, it was what he did,β she said.
“This has damaged his business for years… He has lost his entire ability to have a career.”
Steven Tabban, 39, returned to the Victorian County Court on Wednesday for an interim sentence after pleading guilty to two charges of sexual assault
The court was told the new father’s case had been adjourned last year to allow him to complete a 20-week male behavior modification program and receive treatment from a psychologist.
Ms Turnbull said Tabban had done ‘everything the court had asked of him’ and had shown remorse, remorse and insight into his offending.
βIn my opinion, that person should be given a chance to move on with their life,β she said.
Ms Turnbull said Tabban had found the behavior change program “extremely useful” both in his professional and private life.
According to court documents, Tabban, the director of Create Real Estate in Sunshine, Melbourne’s west, deliberately sexually touched two young women without consent during after-hours interviews at his workplace.
He tried to kiss a woman, touching her thigh and bra before she told him he was uncomfortable.
The following year he grabbed a woman’s hand and tried to force her to touch his penis.
Prosecutor Richard Pirrie argued that a good conduct obligation would be inadequate and that the court should impose a conviction for the offense
Prosecutor Richard Pirrie argued that a good conduct obligation would be inadequate and the court should impose a conviction for the offence.
He pointed to Tabban’s “position of power” in committing the crimes, his use of an isolated location and the age difference with his victims, who were aged 19 and 21 at the time.
Judge Gregory Lyon adjourned the case, saying he wanted time to consider the parties’ arguments.
Tabban will appear in court at a later date.