A former police officer with a history of predatory behaviour has admitted sexually assaulting a teenage girl near a park in Darwen in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard how James White was caught on CCTV following the 16-year-old girl in his car before attacking her in Bolton Road.

The court was told White had previous convictions “of a predatory nature” some of which had involved former police colleagues.

White, 39, of Spinners Court, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and sexual assault on a female.

He was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced on August 9.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said the young victim had been out at around midnight in Darwen.

CCTV had shown the defendant driving past her in a white Mercedes-Benz.

“Further footage shows that having spotted this young lady he was following her on foot,” said Mr Tindall.

“He approached her from behind and grabbed her, causing her to fall to the floor. He then rubbed his hand up her thigh.”

Mr Tindall said the victim was obviously a spirited young lady, adding: "She was fighting him off and trying to call her mother and take photographs of him.

“It was the fact her mum answered the phone that spooked the defendant. He let her go without any further harm being caused to her.”

Mr Tindall said White had limited previous history but it was predatory behaviour he had been convicted of before.

“He is doing the same again and I would say there are no bail conditions you could impose that would stop him getting drunk and behaving in this inappropriate way,” added Mr Tindall.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client accepted the offences in their entirety but wished to apply for bail.

“He accepts full responsibility for his behaviour and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity,” said Mr Taylor.

“A prison sentence is likely and what he is asking is the opportunity to get his affairs in order.

"He has pets that will need to be re-homed and he would like to explain the situation to his employers.”

Mr Taylor said White worked as a health and safety advisor for a building company and had a net monthly salary of £2,400.

Following his arrest White was breathalysed and gave a reading of 50 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, against the legal limit of 35mcg.

He pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and was fined £553 with £85 costs and £224 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for 15 months.

White will be sentenced for the offences of sexual assault and assault later this summer.