A STUDENT has admitted sexually assaulting a teenage girl while she walked home. Asif Patel, of Ashworth Lane, Sharples, pleaded guilty to carrying out the attack, which took place on Friday, May 4, near Ashworth Street.

Bolton Magistrates Court heard yesterday that Patel, aged 20, who did not know the victim, put his hand up the back of the 16-year-old girl’s skirt after following her.

Nicola Ormerod, prosecuting, said the girl felt she would have to change the route she normally walked following the incident.

Suzanne Gower, defending Patel, said Patel was immature and shy for his age and lives with his parents.

He was said to be studying at Bolton College and had a place at the University of Bolton to study software development.

It was said to be Patel’s first court appearance. Chairman of the bench John Tapp said: “What is going to happen is we want the probation service to do a report. My colleagues and I are prepared to grant you bail.”

Patel was bailed until Friday, June 8, with the condition that he does not go within 100 yards of the girl’s school, does not enter the road where the girl lives and that he must report to Scholey Street Police Station.