A DRUNKEN sex attacker who assaulted a mum in Worcester and left her fearing for her life has had his sentence delayed yet again.

Constantin Palumbo, aged 32, of Henry Street, Barbourne, was due to be sentenced at Worcester Crown on Friday but had still not obtained legal representation. Palumbo's sentencing had been due to take place last month but had to be adjourned at that hearing for the same reason.

As previously reported Palumbo followed the woman and grabbed her breasts and bottom as she walked home at 3am, at one stage using a scarf to pull her towards him and attempting to pull her into an alleyway.

In a victim personal statement, read out at the magistrates court, the woman said she 'feared for her life' during the incident on February 10.

The woman, who cannot be identified, was followed by Palumbo in The Tything to Ombersley Road where she took refuge inside a petrol station.

When she left the petrol station she was once again confronted by the defendant. She feared Palumbo would strangle her with her scarf.

Timothy Sapwell, prosecuting, said: "This was a sustained incident over quite a period of time with two episodes to it.

"It ended up with her seeking help at a petrol station. The aggravating features would be the time of the offence, the early hours of the morning, and the steps taken by him to prevent her gaining assistance, namely taking her telephone from her."

He was also described as being under the influence of alcohol. However, he said Palumbo had no previous convictions and had shown remorse.

Solicitor William Harrison, asked to step in on Palumbo's behalf, said it was unlikely the defendant would be able to afford the services of his firm privately.

It is not clear as yet whether the defendant will qualify for legal aid.

Judge Nicholas Cole said the offence in the sentencing guidelines had a starting point of one year's custody with a range of a community order to two years in custody and that it was at the court's discretion whether a prison sentence could be suspended.

He told the defendant, if he did not qualify for legal aid, it was a matter for him whether he paid privately for representation or represented himself.

The judge adjourned the case until June 8.

Palumbo remains on a home curfew, which is not electronically tagged, between 11pm and 7am as a condition of his bail.