A ROSSENDALE businessman who molested a woman and a schoolgirl has been branded a ‘bully’ by a judge who jailed him for three years.

Thirty-nine year-old Stephen David Whittles, who ran his own saw sharpening business in New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall, was a binge drinker with a serious temper, according to Judge Graham Knowles.

Whittles, of Hollinwood Road, Rawtenstall, had denied sexually assaulting a woman but was convicted after a three-day Burnley Crown Court trial in May.

Katherine Pierrepoint, prosecuting, said Whittles removed his victim’s trousers and there was a suggestion that he had touched her breast.

Following his conviction for the sexual assault he also pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a schoolgirl several years ago.

He also admitted child cruelty, which saw him rub talcum powder in the victim’s eyes and carry out a number of physical assaults.

The prosecutor said the only other conviction Whittles had was for common assault and using violence to gain entry to premises.

Vincent Dean, in mitigation, said his client had run his own business for a number of years and until recently had no criminal convictions.

The sexual assault on the woman was ended by the defendant when it became apparent his victim was ‘hysterical’, the court was told.

Defending the attack on the schoolgirl, Mr Dean added: “It was a complete one-off committed while in drink. He is at a loss to explain his behaviour.”

Passing sentence at Preston Crown Court, Judge Knowles, who had earlier called the defendant a ‘bully’, added: “It is now time for you to be controlled yourself.”

Whittles must also sign the sex offenders register for life and has been barred from working with children or vulnerable adults upon his release.

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