PHOTO: Director of Create Real Estate Steven Tabban (pictured) sexually assaulted two women who believed they were being interviewed for a position at his Sunshine office, in west Melbourne
Steven Tabban, a 38-year-old director in the real estate industry, has confessed to committing sexual assault against two women during separate after-hours job interviews at his office in Sunshine, west Melbourne. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to these charges in Melbourne County Court, with his heavily pregnant wife by his side.
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The first incident occurred in November 2019 when a 19-year-old woman visited Tabban’s office, under the impression that she was being interviewed for a receptionist position. Tabban informed her that another candidate was being interviewed simultaneously but assured her they would be in separate rooms, as reported by the Herald Sun.
During the interview, Tabban asked the young woman what she would do to secure the role. In response, she mentioned that she would be willing to put in extra hours. Tabban left the room momentarily and upon returning, falsely claimed that the other candidate had offered a full body massage and a sexual act, implying that her chances of getting the job would be affected if she didn’t do the same.
Tabban then proceeded to discuss an employment contract with the woman and insisted that she follow him to a back room in the office to give him a massage. Although hesitant, the woman complied but requested to finalize the contract before proceeding.
At this point, Tabban grabbed the woman’s hand and unzipped his pants, stating, “You don’t have to give me a blow job, just give me a hand job.” Shocked and refusing his advances, the woman confronted Tabban by asking if he would want his daughter to be treated in such a manner.
Despite her objections, Tabban persisted in requesting the sexual act, claiming that it would benefit her. Fortunately, their interaction was interrupted when someone knocked on the door, allowing the woman to leave.
During the court proceedings, the woman shared a victim impact statement describing the trauma she experienced as a result of Tabban’s actions. She expressed how the incident had severely affected her appetite, sleep patterns, and mental well-being, recounting the haunting memories of being trapped in that room under his control, her voice trembling with tears.
The former Brimbank Council candidate (pictured) pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting both women and will be sentenced later in the year
In another incident that occurred in 2018, Steven Tabban posed a similar question to a woman in her early twenties. He asked her what she would be willing to do to obtain “everything she wanted,” suggesting that she run naked through the office while shouting, “Create is great.”
Refusing his inappropriate request, the woman inquired if there were any other alternatives. Tabban responded by saying he had “something in mind” and instructed her to sit on his lap. He placed his hand on her thigh and then moved it under her armpit, attempting to kiss her. However, she rejected his advances, expressing her discomfort.
In a victim impact statement read on her behalf in court, the woman shared the difficulties she faced in her work environment and when interacting with other men after the incident with Tabban. She admitted feeling anxious about being alone with another male in a confined space, fearing a similar experience.
Both incidents were reported to the police, leading to the establishment of pretext phone calls with Tabban and a subsequent raid of his office. During these phone calls, Tabban admitted to some of his misconduct but later refused to provide further comments, according to the Herald Sun.
During the pre-sentence hearing, prosecutor Richard Pirrie highlighted that Tabban had planned the assaults and had exploited his position of power to target these young women. Judge Gregory Lyon commended the courage of the victims for delivering their impact statements. However, he noted that Tabban’s lack of prior criminal record made it unlikely for him to receive a jail sentence. Instead, Judge Lyon stated that Tabban would be required to successfully complete a sex offenders program.
Tabban is currently out on bail and is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing later this year.