A north Norfolk hotel has defended its decision to employ a former EastEnders actor following a conviction for sexual offences.
Joseph Shade, 24, from Sheringham, was given an 18-month suspended sentence at Norwich Crown Court last October after admitting causing or inciting a child under 18 to engage in sexual activity while in a position of trust and sexual activity with a child.
He is now working at the Blakeney Hotel.
A spokesman for the hotel said: 'Following the legal case concerning Joe Shade, the Blakeney Hotel took experienced legal advice as to whether he could be employed by the hotel in a monitored position on the reception desk. The hotel management took the view that it was for the legal system to punish him for mistakes made in the past, when he was much younger.
'He has been given an opportunity to do a professional and monitored role which, will in turn, provide stable employment for him to rebuild his life which is what he has pledged to do.'
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