AN 82-year-old man made a confused pensioner commit a sex act on him when he called at the nursing home where she lived, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Harry Salisbury was said to be visiting his girlfriend at the Colne premises when he put the elderly women's hand down his trousers.

Salisbury, who has a caution and previous conviction for indecent exposure in 2001, admitted indecent assault on March 21.

He was given unconditional bail until June 11 by the bench who asked for a pre-sentence report with a view to a community based penalty.

John Wood, prosecuting, told the court the victim was suffering from dementia and it had not been possible for her to make a statement. The assault was seen by members of staff at the home, where many residents had similar conditions.

Salisbury had been in the habit of visiting a woman there, described as his girlfriend, who was sitting a couple of chairs away from the complainant.

Mr Wood said witnesses had a clear view of the defendant who was next to his victim. He put the elderly woman's hand down his trousers and was clearly committing a sex act with it.

Salisbury quickly threw the woman's hand away when he was seen. The prosecutor added the victim appeared to be disturbed by what had happened despite her condition.