A married man shaken up by the sudden death of his sister took to dressing up in women's clothes and indecently assaulted a passer-by, a court heard.

David Sandwell, 35, of Knollys Close, Abingdon, admitted grabbing his victim's breast, the town's magistrates were told yesterday.

He also pleaded guilty to two charges of disorderly conduct after approaching two 13-year-old girls on separate occasions.

The court heard that Sandwell's life had been rocked by the death of his sister.

The first offence took place on January 15 when a 13-year-old girl was walking along Campion Road, Abingdon, towards its junction with Daisy Bank.

Prosecutor Shan Saunders said the woman spotted Sandwell wearing women's underwear under his a long rain coat. and had women's underwear on under it. The girl was frightened by the approach and reported him to the police.

Sandwell also pleaded guilty to a similar offence on March 9, when another 13-year-old girl spotted the defendant wearing women's clothing under a wax jacket as she walked away from a bus stop in Radley.

The court heard that the final offence took place on March 17, after Sandwell's victim was outhad decided to go for a walk and noticed the defendant approach her.

Ms Saunders said: "She noticed he was wearing women's clothing and he asked her if she had the time."

The court heard the victim tried to walk away but the defendant reached out and grabbed her right breast.

Anne Conway, defending Sandwell, said her client had faced a difficult period in his life.

Sandwel told the magistrates: "I want to express my deep sorrow at what I have done."

Sandwell was placed on a probation order for 12 months, ordered to pay £40 costs and also pay £100 compensation to the indecent assault victim.

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