A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of a man convicted in his absence of sexually touching two women.

Flintshire Magistrates’ Court heard Mariusz Stanislaw Protas, 31, had been so drunk that he could not remember what had happened at the Big Ship pub in Flint on February 21.

When he failed to turn up for his trial yesterday, magistrates agreed to proceed in his absence.

He was convicted of both charges.

Robert Blakemore, prosecuting, said it was a busy night in the pub because there was a live band playing.

One young woman was on the dance-floor when Protas went up to her from behind and grabbed both her breasts.

A short time later he went up to another young woman from behind and put his hand between her legs.

The manager was told and Protas was escorted out.

As the mother of one complainant went to ring the police on her mobile phone, a police vehicle was seen.

One of the victims flagged the police down and Protas was arrested.

Protas, who at the time lived in Castle Road in Flint but who had been bailed to live at a hostel run by the Missionaries of Charity at Seel Street, Liverpool, said he had shared a bottle of vodka with a friend and then called at the pub where he had a couple of pints.

He did not recall touching the women but remembered being ejected and being arrested.

Interviewed with the aid of a Polish interpreter, he said he was dancing and “it may have just happened”.

Magistrates said they found the case proved and issued a warrant without bail for his arrest so Protas can be sentenced.