Man Jailed For Sexually Assualting Vulnerable Linslade Teen

26 January 2015, 12:38 | Updated: 26 January 2015, 12:40

A man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a vulnerable teenager in Linslade.

John Grant had been a family friend of the 18 year old and her family, but was warned to stay away from her after inappropriate messages on Facebook.

But Luton Crown Court was told on Friday that in July 2013 he saw the girl in Linslade and offered her a lift.

Sally Mealing McLeod, prosecuting said the girl was vulnerable as she had learning difficulties.

He paid her compliments, and encouraged her to drink a bottle of alcopops, then touched her in a sexual way.

"She told him to stop, but was scared he might rape her. She got out of the car, but he followed and tried to get her to get back in. Then he apologised and asked her to forgive him," said the barrister.

Grant, of Mowbray Drive, Leighton Buzzard, pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual assault.

Stephen Hopper defending, said: "The personal shame he feels has led to him wanting to leave the area.

"Until this he has been of positively good character."

Recorder Sandeep Kainth told Grant: "What I have heard leads me to believe that your actions that day were designed for one purpose and one purpose alone.

"Thankfully she was able to leave your vehicle and raise the alarm. The aggravating feature is that you preyed on a vulnerable individual."

Grant was told he would have to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.