A SOUTHAMPTON man left a woman feeling “nervous and anxious” after sexually assaulting her at a shop.

Sean McCarthy went into the store in Southampton but then put his hand between the woman's legs and pressed hard.

Prosecuting, James Kellam said that 57-year-old McCarthy then moved his hand up and over her breast before she told him to leave.

READ MORE: Southampton couple used encrypted phones to deal drugs

In a statement read out in court, the woman said: “For the last six months I have suffered with the mental, physical, and financial effects.

“I feel nervous, anxious and worried. I have been unable to do my job.

“I feel extremely unsafe on my own.”

She added that she used to be a sociable person but now she is unable to do those things, making her depressed.

McCarthy of Norfolk Road, Southampton, who previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday for sentencing.

He was said to be “remorseful and apologetic” when interviewed by police.

READ MORE: Sex offenders and robbers at Southampton courts in December

Defending, Christopher Gaiger said that the offence was out of character.

He said that his client "is not a man likely to come back in future before the courts".

The court heard how McCarthy was last week diagnosed with skin cancer.

Judge Brian Forster KC described the attack as a “serious offence”.

“You must understand that people who work in shops are vulnerable”, he added.

“Your actions were totally unnecessary. [There is] clearly a problem in his approach to people of the opposite sex.”

But he said there is a “possibility of rehabilitation”.

McCarthy was handed a 14-month prison sentence - suspended for 18 months.

He must also attend 31 days on an accredited programme, 30 rehabilitation activity days and was given a five-year restraining order.

He must register as a sex offender for ten years.

Judge Forster added: “Don’t put yourself in this position again.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook