A MAN with learning difficulties who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl has been warned that he will go to jail if his offending is repeated.

Bolton Crown Court heard how the girl had been sent on errands by her mother in Radcliffe at around 5pm on October 24 last year and visited several shops, a cashpoint and a chip shop during the trip.

“While she was on her way home she felt a sharp grab on the left side of her bottom,” said Karen Brooks, prosecuting, who added that the girl had not been aware anyone else was near her.

As she turned around a man, later identified as Tony Ennion, ran off and the girl rushed home.

“Her mother describes her as crying, hysterical and struggling to speak,” said Miss Brooks.

Police were contacted and 27-year-old Ennion was identified following CCTV images being issued through the press.

Ennion initially denied being responsible, but subsequently pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the girl.

The court heard that it is the second time he has been convicted for sexual offences against children.

In 2013 he was sentenced to a three-year community order for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl.

Andrew Costello, defending, said adults supervising Ennion, who lives in Radcliffe and has severe learning difficulties, had gradually allowed him more freedom to go places unaccompanied.

“It had to be tried. It has not worked and there are consequences that have flowed from that,” he said.

Sentencing Ennion to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, Judge Graeme Smith said he had to balance the defendant’s difficulties against a duty to protect the public and, if sent to jail, Ennion would lose the support he is receiving which helps alleviate any risk he poses.

“At this stage I am satisfied there is a greater risk to the public in sending you to prison for a short time than there is in leaving you under a tight regime,” Judge Smith told him.

“But there will come a point where, notwithstanding what I’ve said, if there is a further offence the court will have to mark it with a term of imprisonment.”

In addition to the suspended sentence, Ennion will be subject to 60 days of rehabilitation activity and must undergo mental health treatment.

He was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years, barred from working with children and vulnerable adults and was banned from having unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 16.