A MAN has admitted sexually assaulting a woman in her 70s.

Dale Robert Hatt, 32, made “sexual comments” about the woman and groped her after walking her home earlier this year.

Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard that the victim did not support the prosecution, and it only came to police attention after her daughter saw the assault on CCTV.

In the hearing, prosecutor Kate Prince said that the offence was “over clothing” and that it was brief.

She invited the magistrates to adjourn the case for a pre-sentence report.

Representing the 32-year-old, Luke Jameson said his client was drunk and has special educational needs, which led to him misreading the situation.

He urged magistrates to impose a conditional discharge – where there would be no punishment if he keeps out of trouble for a certain period of time.

But magistrates decided to adjourn for a pre-sentence report.

“I think there may be some merit in what has been put forward, but I think we should have a report,” chairman of the bench Dr David Whetham said.

“We may well end up there but let’s have a report first.”

The case was adjourned to September 1 at the same court, where Hatt, of Moredon Park, will be sentenced.