A MAN molested a police woman called to his home and grabbed hold of her bottom, Burnley magistrates heard.

The court was told Neil Linford, 43, who later called his victim a "sexy bitch", was cautioned and replied: "Good, at least I have got a bed for the night."

Linford, of Clarence Street, admitted indecent assault on January 8. He was fined £50 with £50 compensation.

Joanne Shahzada, prosecuting, told the court the officer and her colleague were called to an address in Russell Court, Burnley, in the early hours. A woman wanted the defendant to be removed.

Linford agreed to leave but was seen walking back towards the property. The officer asked him what he had got in his hands and Linford opened his palms and said he wanted a key.

He stood directly in front of the officer, put his hands on her hips, bent down to her level, touched her buttocks, put his face to hers and thrust his hips forward. He was arrested for indecent assault.

Linford was abusive and made sexual comments towards the officer. He also spat at her and it landed on the windscreen of the police vehicle.

Miss Shahzada said the victim felt shocked and intimidated by the defendant's behaviour and was upset by his sexual comments and gestures.

The prosecutor added when Linford was questioned by police, he said he had squeezed past the officer in a small hallway. He had not meant to touch her and denied any sexual comments. The defendant had 71 previous convictions but none for sex offences.

Richard Taylor, defending, said that at the police station Linford could not believe what was alleged against him. He had had far too much to drink.

He had had a row with his wife, she contacted police and when they arrived, he was in bed. He agreed to leave, planning to go to his brother's house but realised he had forgotten his key.

The defendant went back to the house, the officer was in the narrow hallway and he had to get past her. Linford had had too much to drink, could not dispute what the officer said and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.