AN Ellesmere man has avoided jail after he admitted sexually assaulting a child.

John Pugh, aged 68 and of Welshampton, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Friday.

He had already admitted the charge of sexual assault, which happened last year, at a previous hearing.

Ffion Tomos, prosecuting, told the court that after consuming alcohol Pugh had stroked the breasts of an underage girl after earlier telling her he thought her lips were "kissable".

He then proceeded to move his hand to her stomach and when asked what he was doing Pugh told the girl to "be quiet".

Pugh then put his hands into the girl's underwear.

Miss Tomos said the girl "froze" and was scared. She later told her parents what had happened, the police were called, and Pugh was arrested.

In a victim impact statement, the girl said the incident had left her feeling scared around men and she feared it would impact on her future relationships.

The court also heard Pugh had been through the death of his wife some years prior to the offence.

Mr Recorder Gregory Bull QC told Pugh: "What you did was unforgivable.

"She was only 13 years of age and you took advantage of her by touching her inappropriately. That's a serious criminal offence.

"You're a man of previous good character who has lived to a reasonable age without being in this kind of difficulty.

"I also take into account the pressure which followed the death of your wife.

"But that is no excuse to make sexual advances towards a child."

Mr Bull sentenced Pugh to eight months imprisonment, but suspended it for 18 months.

Part of the suspension would include Pugh completing up to 80 days of rehabilitation.

He was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders' register.

Pugh was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £149.