Teenager touched woman 'in a sexual way'

A FAILED asylum seeker touched the backsides of two women in the space of an hour after approaching them from behind in Gorleston, a youth court heard.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, approached the first victim as she was walking to shops in Almond Road and then repeated the offence to a second woman as she walked along Cherry Road on February 11.

The teenager pleaded guilty to intentionally touching the women in a sexual nature when he appeared at Yarmouth Youth Court on Tuesday.

Sara Borthwick, prosecuting, said the first woman had been aware of the man's presence as she walked to the shops.

She said: “She said his presence made her feel uneasy as she continued to walk back along Almond Road and she felt somebody following her.

“The male walked beside her and the nature of the sexual touching is that he placed his hand on her bottom. She pushed him away and went straight to a friend's house and reported the incident to the police.”

The second woman also felt uneasy as the defendant walked up behind her before touching her “in the same way” as the first victim.

Both women identified the man during police investigations into the incidents.

Miss Borthwick said an immigration judge was due to make a decision on whether to deport the unemployed defendant, who appeared in court wearing a black jacket and jeans and was accompanied by his uncle and an interpreter.

Robert Barley, mitigating, said his client, who currently lives with his cousin, could not explain why he committed the offences in moments of “complete and utter stupidity.”

“He is deeply remorseful for what happened and the upset he has caused the two young ladies. While I concede it is the court's decision, he has nevertheless pleaded guilty today and has therefore spared the two young ladies the difficulty and distress of giving evidence.”

The teenager was given a three month referral order and ordered to pay £50 compensation to each victim.