Sex attacker pounced on dog walker, 60, in Halesowen street

Marcus Basterfield pounced as she walked along a road off one of the main routes through Halesowen at 8am on a Saturday, a judge heard.

The 22-year-old grabbed hold of his victim after closely following her for a short distance, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Mr Hugh O'Brien Quinn, prosecuting, said: "She was walking her dog when she noticed that she was being followed by the defendant who said; 'Excuse me.'"

As she turned round Basterfield made lewd remarks and indecently exposed himself before grabbing her round the waist, the court heard.

The pair struggled and the woman managed to break free and shouted: 'Go away, leave me alone,' said Mr O'Brien Quinn.

The attacker apologised but continued to follow her as she walked away before striking again moments later.

The prosecutor continued: "He grabbed her once more and assaulted her again. She was screaming and this was heard by people living nearby, one of whom came out of his home and the defendant ran away."

The man raised the alarm and drove to the local police station before driving around with two Community Support Officers. Mr O'Brien Quinn said: "They drove round the area until they spotted the defendant who denied any involvement in the offence which he described as being 'absolutely vile and disgusting.'"

Basterfield, who has a previous assault conviction, was picked out in an identity parade and linked to the crime through forensic checks that revealed the DNA of the victim on his hands.

Miss Sarah Buckingham, defending, said: "He has absolutely no recollection of what happened and what he did but he admitted responsibility when confronted by the scientific and other evidence. His inability to offer an explanation may be the result of shame or perhaps the result of the alcohol and drugs he had consumed the night before. It was totally out of character.

"If he genuinely cannot remember anything of the incident – and there is nothing to suggest that is not the case – then he has taken a courageous step by pleading guilty."

The victim of the 15-minute ordeal still walks her dog but only does it alone if other people are about. Her statement to the court concluded: "I am not a vindictive person but I hope that I never see the defendant again."

Basterfield from Offmoor Road, Halesowen admitted indecent exposure and three offences of sexual assault.

He was jailed and put on the Sex Offenders Register for life by Judge John Warner who told him: "Your victim has shown considerable fortitude but has suffered lasting effects. This was a persistent attack in the street and a very serious offence."