- Real estate agent license suspended
- He preyed on two women during job interviews
A real estate agent caught preying on young women during job interviews has been banned from working in the industry, a court has heard.
Steven Taban, 39, appeared in Victoria State Court on Wednesday for an unexpected sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual assault.
Lawyer Eman Turnbull argued the court should impose a fine or a good behavior bond, saying the 20-year real estate veteran had his license revoked in August last year for the offence.
“That was his identity, who he was and what he did,” she said.
“This caused years of damage to his business…he completely lost his ability to engage in a career.”
The court was told the new father’s case was adjourned last year to give him the opportunity to complete a 20-week male behavior modification program and receive treatment from a psychologist.
Mr Turnbull said Mr Taban had “done everything the court asked him to do” and had shown remorse, contrition and insight into his criminal conduct.
“My submission is that the person should be given the opportunity to move on with their life,” she said.
Ms Turnbull said Ms Taban had found the behavior change program to be “hugely helpful” in both her professional and home life.
Court documents say Mr Taban, a director at Create Real Estate in Sunshine in Melbourne’s west, intentionally made sexual contact with two young women without their consent during after-hours interviews at work.
He tried to kiss a woman and touched her thighs and bra before she said she was uncomfortable.
The following year, he grabbed a woman’s hand and tried to force her to touch his penis.
Prosecutor Richard Pirie argued that a good behavior bond was not enough and the court should convict the offender.
He pointed to Taban’s “position of power” in the crime, his use of a secluded location and the age difference between his victims, who were 19 and 21 at the time.
Judge Gregory Ryan halted the case, saying he wanted time to consider the parties’ submissions.
Taban is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.