A FATHER-OF-TWO fondled a woman on a bus, a court heard yesterday.

Burnley magistrates heard how Moroccan, Hassan Saadi, 38, had squeezed the victim's leg after sitting next to her on the otherwise empty bus.

Saadi was given a two-year conditional discharge by the justices who told him the woman had been vulnerable.

Saadi, of Dalto Street, Nelson, had earlier admitted indecent assault on July 18. He must also pay £55 costs.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court the victim was on the way home from work and got on the bus at Burnley bus station. The defendant got on and sat next to her even though all the other seats were empty. He then leaned across the woman and squeezed her leg.

The woman moved Saddi's hand and went and told the driver what had happened. An inspector was informed and the defendant got off the bus and ran away. He was caught by the driver and inspector before police officers arrived.

David Leach, defending, said Saadi was clearly very remorseful and ashamed of what he had done. He added: "The defendant was drunk and that may well have influenced the offence."