AN ALCOHOLIC who punched a woman in the face before sexually assaulting her has escaped being sent to prison.

Gary Lockhart befriended his victim as she walked to a friend’s house in Carterton on November 24.

Later in the evening, having been invited back to the woman’s home for drinks, he attacked her.

The 41-year-old, of Boscombe, Bournemouth, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court yesterday, having earlier admitted sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Henry James, prosecuting, said: “At about 2am the victim was dancing in what she admits was a flirty fashion.

“Mr Lockhart reached forward and grabbed at her breasts.

“She pushed him away, and that’s when he changed and started calling her a slag and a slapper.

“He grabbed her hair and punched her to the face several times. She shouted for her daughter (who was upstairs), but he said words like ‘it’s no good shouting because she’s next’.

“He tried to unbutton her trousers, having pinned her to the sofa and then forced his hand down her front.”

Father-of two Lockhart, who has previous convictions for criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly, was arrested after a neighbour raised the alarm.

The court heard he became an alcoholic in 2004 after his divorce and was “horrified by his behaviour” on the night.

Judge Christopher Compston gave him a six-month prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 12 months’ supervision and alcohol treatment. He must also pay £600 compensation.