SALAAM Ahmad has been put on the sex offenders' register for five years after sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at the Orbital Centre last year.

Ahmad, 27, had been shopping in Asda on December 19 when he saw the girl alone in the store, and approached her from behind, groping her for about 10 seconds before walking off.

The young girl, who had become separated from her parents, immediately ran to report what had happened and says she is now afraid to be left alone for any period of time.

Ahmad, who admitted the offence, avoided a prison sentence after Swindon Magistrates' Court heard he was sorry for his actions and he thought the girl was about 17.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said: “The aggravating factors in this offence are the young age of the victim, at 13, and the age of the defendant, who is 27.

“In a supermarket, he approached the victim from behind and squeezed her through her clothing. She says this makes her feel sick, and she describes feeling his breath on her neck, which made her shiver.

“At the time she had become separated from her family in the supermarket, and was very distressed by the incident.

“She reported it immediately to her family, who then reported it to security.

"CCTV was examined, and while it didn’t show the offence taking place, the victim was able to pick out the defendant in the store.

“She describes how it was grabbing of her bottom, and she felt initially a full palm when suddenly it was grabbed and squeezed for around 10 seconds.

“She feels horrible and frightened, and doesn’t want to be on her own. She feels scared to go out and doesn’t want to walk to school on her own.”

She said Ahmad had no prior convictions.

Liz Maidment, defending, said Ahmad is now considering moving to Scotland to be with his wider family.

She said: “My client says he was in the supermarket shopping. He saw someone from behind and thought they were 17, but can’t explain his actions.

“He had no idea this was a 13-year-old. Regardless, this behaviour is unacceptable. He has never displayed behaviour like this before. He has two sisters and a long-term partner who has stood by him through these proceedings.

“He has displayed genuine remorse and concern about the impact this has had on the victim. He has gone to his GP and is receiving counselling.

“This is an extremely serious offence, and I cannot stand here and say it is anything else.”

Ahmad, of Eastbury Way, was given a supervision order for 12 months and is prohibited from approaching or contacting any girl under the age of 16 without permission.

He was put on an electronically-tagged curfew for eight weeks and made to pay £250 in compensation, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.