A SUPERMARKET worker who slapped and grabbed a woman's bottom as he restocked the cigarette counter has been sentenced to a 12 month community order.

Ouman Pervaiz, 34, a married man with three young children, decided to "try it on" with his victim, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of sexually assaulting her in the space of about half and hour on November 11 last year.

Prosecutor Abigail Langford said Pervaiz was stacking shelves at the Co-op in Harrogate Road, Bradford, when he slapped and grabbed the woman's bottom.

He had earlier tried to kiss her and he squeezed her breast in the street afterwards.

The woman rang her friend in a distressed state and the police were alerted.

Pervaiz, of Moorside Road, Eccleshill, Bradford, claimed it was a bit of mutual "slap and tickle".

A victim personal statement from his victim said she felt dirty afterwards and had become depressed. Her relationship had broken down and she now worked abroad.

Brian McKenna, Pervaiz's barrister, said a positive probation report suggested "a robust alternative" to prison.

"It is odd offending. He is 34 and has never been in trouble. It is entirely out-of-character," Mr McKenna said.

Pervaiz had been sacked immediately and his hopes of becoming a cab driver had been dashed by his convictions for sexual assault.

Judge Robert Bartfield told Pervaiz: "Your plea of guilty has saved you from going straight to prison."

He continued: "Late on the 11th of November, without any encouragement, you decided you would try your luck with her.

"These events have been disastrous for you because you have lost your employment and you will find it hard, in many fields, to find a job, so this evening has been very costly for you."

Pervaiz must undertake a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement with the probation service on how to approach relationships with women.

He must also do 150 hours of unpaid work and register with the police as a sex offender for five years.