A SEX attacker has been jailed for four years for offences involving two teenage girls and a young mum.

Gerald Duffy was also placed on the sex offenders register for life when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

Duffy, 32, of Gardner Road, Skerton, pleaded guilty to thee indecent assaults involving girls aged 13 and 15 and a young woman.

Judge Peter Smith told Duffy there had been significant verbal threats and the offence had involved some planning.

"There is a risk of you re-offending. Members of the public are at risk of serious harm from your activities," said the judge.

Mr Harry Narayan, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court the first offence took place on February 25 last year around 6.30pm.

The 13 year old girl was on Carlisle Bridge, Lancaster at a bus stop. She was pushed against a bus shelter and Duffy threatened her.

The girl struggled and ran off.

The other offences occurred late in the afternoon of July 19. A 15 year old girl was on Carlisle Bridge and was confronted by Duffy who grabbed the top of her arms and threatened her too.

The third victim was a young mum out with her baby who was in a pushchair on Greyhound Bridge.

She was aware of Duffy behind her and kicked him when he put his arms around her shoulders and his hands down her top.

Mr Philip Holden, defending, said: "The defendant was under the influence of a large amount of alcohol. It was that that disinhibited him to act in the way that he did."

Duffy was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and disqualified from working with children for 10 years.