Darren Harvey, 51, was imprisoned by County Court judge Chris Ryan after having appealed a jail term imposed in the Wodonga Magistrate's Court last month.

He was originally given a 15-month prison sentence with a minimum of nine months by magistrate John Murphy on two counts of indecent assault.

Judge Ryan cut the minimum term to seven months, but retained the 15-month overall period.

Today's sentence came after Judge Ryan yesterday labelled Harvey  a predator with no remorse.

He said Harvey’s conduct towards his 18-year-old employee was “absolutely disgraceful”.

But barrister Steve Anger outlined Harvey’s community contributions during an appeal against a jail term imposed on Harvey last month.

The charges relate to an Albury schoolgirl, 18, who was working at Harvey’s Fun Park on the Lincoln Causeway.

One of the offences happened early last year and the second charge relates to events on October 13 when Harvey took the employee’s clothes off before assaulting her.

Mr Anger said yesterday there were a range of sentencing options for Harvey such as a suspended sentence or partially suspended jail term.

Judge Ryan said Harvey had shown no remorse in a record of interview with police.

“He is a predator. His conduct is nothing short of predatory,” Judge Ryan said.

He said the conduct by Harvey escalated and was appalling. Mr Anger said the fun park has two permanent employees and eight casuals, but publicity about Harvey’s charges have had a devastating impact on the business.

“In the social media, he has been vilified as a paedophile,” Mr Anger said.

He tendered nine references on behalf of Harvey and certificates of thanks from organisations such as Camp Quality and Country Hope.

It is estimated Harvey has provided use of the park valued at about $30,000 for community organisations.

Judge Ryan said there was a conflict between Harvey’s contribution to the community and the appalling acts committed on a schoolgirl.

“His conduct towards this young woman is absolutely disgraceful,” Judge Ryan said.

Albury solicitor Tony Brandt provided one of the references and gave evidence about a large number of cancellations at the park since Harvey’s sentencing in Wodonga Magistrates Court.

Mr Brandt said the park may have to be closed down and ultimately sold.

Mr Anger said Harvey has been referred to a psychologist and received anti-depressants.

“He has reactive depression because of the condition he finds himself in,” Judge Ryan said.

He said there is an issue of general deterrence and Harvey had overborn the complainant before forcibly undressing her.

Crown prosecutor David O’Doherty said: “It is a serious example of this type of offending.”