Violent sex pest blames drink

A man who exposed himself to a teenage girl on a bus before assaulting her ha been sentenced to a 36-month community order by Oldham magistrates.

Benjamin Francis Cole-Barker (21) will have to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years and take part in a sex-offenders’ work programme.

The 18-year-old victim boarded the number 83 bus from Manchester to Failsworth at around 11.15pm on September 3.

Cole-Barker, of Hampton Road, Failsworth, was already on the bus. He shouted to the girl a few rows in front, but then became aggressive and suggested she should perform a sexual act on him.

When she refused, he said he would choke her and began to undo his belt and trousers.

The teenager turned away before Cole-Barker was caught on CCTV exposing himself.

The traumatised girl threatened to call the police and told the driver of Cole-Barker’s actions. The driver told him to put his trousers back on or get off the bus.

Cole-Barker quietened and apologised but later started swearing at her and threatening her.

Cole-Barker was arrested on October 25. He told police he had drunk a lot of alcohol that night and didn’t remember the conversation, but was disgusted by his actions.

Cole-Barker was also ordered to pay the victim £100.