A perverted passenger who sexually assaulted a teenage girl on a bus has avoided being sent to jail. David Baddeley got on in Bradwell and asked if he could sit next to his victim.

The 16-year-old, who was on her way home from college, agreed and the pair initially engaged in polite conversation. But their chat took a disturbing turn when Baddeley asked if she’d like to sit on his knee.

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how Baddeley, 54, then asked if they could go to her house. When she said 'no' - adding that 'her parents wouldn’t be happy' - Baddeley invited her to his house, but she again said 'no'.

Prosecutor Lee Stone said: “The defendant got up to leave, put his hand on the victim’s right knee and squeezed, and then stroked up her thigh. She had told him she was only 16 years of age before he touched her.

“The defendant was under the influence of alcohol. He has no previous offences on record, he has a mental disorder and he has disabilities.

“The victim’s daily life has been affected by this. The crime was sexual assault on a bus on her way home after college. After this incident the victim was afraid to get on that bus in case she saw the defendant again, so she had to take two buses which added 45 minutes onto her journey. She has since been increasingly aware of who sits next to her.”

Baddeley, of Bradwell Lane, Bradwell, pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Karen Wright, mitigating, said: “On the day of the offence Mr Baddeley had been drinking, which seemed to be a problem for him at the time. He was due to engage with STARS [Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery System], but he hasn’t heard from them, but he has said he’s not drinking alcohol whatsoever.

“He is extremely remorseful for his actions. He’s been very anxious and he’s not been sleeping as a result of this. He has had brain damage since birth, has Crohn's Disease, and he has Asperger's Syndrome.

“He is no longer going on the bus because he was using them to go to public houses for a drink. He now takes taxis so this doesn't happen again, and he wanted her to feel comfortable when travelling in the future.”

Baddeley was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and he must participate in the ‘Matter of Change’ programme. He was also ordered to pay a £100 fine, £85 costs, and a £114 community order surcharge.

Magistrate Philip Taylor told him “You know why you're here, you've entered a guilty plea which means you understand you did something wrong in respect of the young lady. We are going to punish you for that action you admit you have done.

“There’s a hope and expectation from the court, you must learn why what you did was wrong, and how to stop it from happening again.”

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