A yob who twice groped a teenage girl and punched her when she complained has been spared jail.
Benjamin Grant Francis Beard, 24, slapped the victim and grabbed her while she was on a night out, a court heard.
When she complained about his actions he punched her, knocking her to the floor.
Unemployed Beard, of Mayfield Avenue, The Moss estate, was found guilty of sexual assault and three charges of assault after a trial at Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court on June 24.
Beard was handed a prison sentence of 26 weeks, suspended for a year, by the court. He must sign the sex offenders register for five years and complete 250 hours of unpaid work.
Magistrates branded his assault on the girl as ‘gratuitous degradation’.
The court heard that the victim was in Macclesfield town centre with friends when the attack happened.
Caroline Wynne, prosecuting, said: “The victim suddenly felt someone slap her bottom.
“When she looked around she saw the defendant.
“He walked right up to her and grabbed her. She was extremely shocked.”
After the incident, Beard then attacked two of her friends.
Mrs Wynne added: “The victim then tried to explain to the defendant why she was aggrieved about his behaviour but he then punched her.”
Shirley Kelly, defending, said Beard maintained his innocence regarding the assaults.
She said: “He was drunk on the night but still denies assaulting the three.”
Peter Nash, chairman of the bench, said: “We are particularly concerned about these offences.
“Not only did you assault her, which set off the chain of events, you then assaulted two other people.
“It was a gratuitous degradation of your victim, which still affects her.
“This type of behaviour is entirely unacceptable and you remain in denial.
“This is your last chance.”
Beard was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the victim of the sexual assault and £50 to the two other victims.
He must also pay £320 towards court costs.
