Man faces jail for squeezing pregnant woman’s bottom

Darren Hargreaves (45) pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court. He had initially denied the allegation, but changed his plea on Monday, the day he was due to face trial.

Burnley magistrates had earlier been told how the defendant was said to have squeezed the pregnant victim’s bottom in the street.

Hargreaves, of Ball Street, was bailed until August 11th, for a pre-sentence report and must sign the sexual offenders’ register. He must not contact the alleged victim or approach a named street in Burnley.

Judge Graham Knowles QC said: “All options, including immediate imprisonment, will be open to the judge who sentences you.”