A SEX pest groped a stranger on a train, his second sexual assault on a woman travelling on the railways.

Mark Middleton, aged 41, of The Titheway, Middle Littleton, near Evesham admitted sexual assault at Redditch Railway Station when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday.

The 41-year-old, who lives with his parents and works for a gardening company, was already subject to a suspended sentence for a similar offence but because the sexual assault at Redditch on November 26 last year pre-dated that offence the sentence could not be activated.

Roger Bleazard, prosecuting, said the woman, who was 22 at the time, was visibly distressed by what happened.

She was going to work on the train when Middleton sat opposite her.

“He begins to rub his leg on the inside of her leg and leans forward and rubs her knee where her jeans are ripped, exposing her knee” said Mr Bleazard.

The woman was so concerned she called her boyfriend yet Middleton continued to follow her once she had left the train, following her around a shopping centre. This was captured on CCTV.

Mr Bleazard said: “She becomes clearly distressed. The suspended sentence is for a sexual assault on similar terms which was also with exposure.”

Gerry Vahey, defending, said: “This is a very serious matter indeed. Mr Middleton is well aware of that. He’s not the most sophisticated of individuals. This was a seriously clumsy exercise where he’s trying to charm the injured party, thinking he might appeal to her better nature but, in the course of that, he’s touched her which is absolutely inappropriate and illegal.

“He accepts he’s done it and it is not an appropriate way to act. He apologised to her through the police. I was present when he gave that apology. He was sorry he made her feel uncomfortable and perhaps more than that."

A spokesman for the probation service said Middleton had started the community sex offender's group programme which was addressing issues surrounding his offending behaviour, part of the suspended sentence which will expire on March 3, 2019.

Part of this order is designed to address his alcohol misuse which is considered linked to his offending. The probation officer told the court: "He's still binge drinking at this time."

Mr Vahey contested an application by the defence to ban Middleton from public transport, arguing that this was 'excessive'. Middleton does not have a car and had bought a return ticket to Evesham. He would therefore have difficulty returning home after the court hearing.

Magistrates made a three year community order which means Middleton must follow the instructions given to him by the probation service.

He must complete 60 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £185 costs and an £85 victim surcharge which he agreed to pay within 28 days.

They also made a sexual harm prevention order which prohibits him from using public transport while under the influence of alcohol (excluding taxis) and he must not to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place.

Middleton must sign the sex offender register for five years.