A PENSIONER sexually assaulted a woman after he carried her up to his bed.

Ian Currier, aged 65, of Woodmans Rise, Droitwich, admitted sexually assaulting the victim when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.

Harpreet Sandhu, prosecuting, said Currier had initially denied the offence but had changed his plea to guilty before trial.

The sexual assault took place on January 24 this year when the complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, fell over as she was having a cigarette following a night out drinking.

He said: “She was carried upstairs by the defendant. She awoke to find herself in the defendant’s bed. Her top was pulled up and her bra was exposed and the button and zip on her trousers undone. She awoke to the defendant’s hand inside her underwear.”

She ran from the house as Currier followed her, first on foot and then in his car.

In a personal statement the victim said the assault had a ‘huge impact’ on her life.

Jason Aris, defending, said Currier is registered disabled and has health issues including chronic osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes.

He also spoke of the defendant’s ‘social isolation and loneliness’ and praised his ‘strong work ethic’, telling the court he had worked since the age of 16.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC said: “She in no way led him on or encouraged him. He had misread the situation, embarked on sexual activity with her which she very quickly rebuffed. But the damage was done.

“It appears she is a robust character and has managed to work through this unpleasant experience but no doubt the memory will remain with her.”

Currier was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years and made subject to a community order involving 35 days of rehabilitation activity.

He must sign the sex offender’s register for 10 years.