AN ATTACKER who sexually assaulted a woman has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Nick Busfield had been drinking when he molested his victim, Bradford Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

Busfield, 36, of Bradford Road, Stanningley, Pudsey, pleaded guilty to two offences of sexually assaulting his victim.

Prosecutor Ken Green said the defendant had been out drinking when he abused the woman in the Bradford district.

Mr Green said Busfield, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the offences and the case was adjourned for a probation report.

His victim said in her personal statement that she still suffered anxiety and depression after the incident and was lacking in confidence.

In mitigation, it was stated that Busfield had made ‘an essentially immediate apology’. He was genuinely remorseful and aware of the consequences of what he did.

The probation service said that he could be rehabilitated in the community.

Busfield was in full-time work, the court was told.

Deputy Circuit Judge Timothy Clayson sentenced Busfield to 21 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a requirement to attend a probation service programme.