A CLUBBER sexually assaulted a woman on the dance floor of a Bolton nightclub – as she celebrated her 21st birthday, a court heard.

Bolton Crown Court was told Gururaja Kakargal – who was jailed for two years – assaulted the woman after wishing her happy birthday at the J2 nightclub in the town centre.

Following the incident, the shocked woman complained to security staff and Kakargal was detained until police could arrive to arrest him.

The court was told that Kakargal, who had denied a charge of assault by penetration, lifted the girl up and sexually assaulted her.

Jailing him, judge Peter Davies said he had 'exploited and manipulated' the woman's birthday celebrations knowing she was drunk and thinking that, because he knew staff at the club, they would not believe her if she complained.

"You were confident you would not be apprehended," said Judge Davies.

The jury had heard how the woman was in the club in Nelson Square to celebrate her birthday with friends.

But at 2.45am Kakargal, of Higher Bridge Street, Bolton, targeted her on the dance floor and carried out the assault.

"It was a public place and it caused her pain and distress," said Judge Davies.

Brian McKenna, defending, said 30-year-old Kakargal, who has a degree in business administration and has worked in management, still maintains he is innocent and has no previous convictions.

Mr McKenna said: "He still denies the offence and the best point I can make is that this is out of character."

Kakargal was placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and is banned from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Following the sentencing, PC Chris Woodburn, of Bolton police said: "This was a terrible and traumatic experience for the victim who was out having a good time, celebrating with her friends. Kakargal spotted her and knew exactly what he was doing when he decided to target her.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim who, despite going through such an ordeal, was able to think quickly and alert security and police to what had happened. I hope the sentence passed here today will go some way to giving her some closure."