A KNUTSFORD man has been convicted of sexual assault after inappropriately touching a teenage girl.

Jamie Griffiths was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault following a one-day trial at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 10.

The 19-year-old, of Blackhill Lane, has been released on bail and is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, October 23.

The charges related to incidents in October and November 2018.

On both occasions a 17-year-old girl was inappropriately touched by Griffiths.

In October 2018 he touched the victim on her arm using the palm of his hand after she walked past him on Blackhill Lane.

Just weeks later Griffiths touched the victim on her hip and smirked at her after coming face-to-face with her.

Griffiths was arrested in connection with the incidents on November 13.

A subsequent examination of his mobile phone revealed a number of deleted text messages he had sent to a family member.

Within the messages, which were sent on the morning of November 8, just hours after investigating officers had made house-to-house inquiries in the street where he lived, Jamie talked about the incidents.

He wrote: “It wasn’t just one incident, but I’m done now. Please I have uni to think about. I was just so lonely.”

A message sent to Griffiths from the family member read: “So you grabbed her butt and then ran immediately?”

Upon the completion of the trial, PC Lawrence Price said: “Incidents of this nature are rare in the Knutsford area, and Griffiths’ actions understandably caused a large amount of concern in the local community.

“He also caused the victim unnecessary stress and trauma.

“She was left feeling extremely anxious as a result of what he did to her and was unable to leave her home alone, at a time when she was due to sit her mock exams.

“I hope this conviction will provide reassurance to the victim and local residents, and also acts as a warning to other people who feel it is acceptable to act in this manner.”

During the trial Griffiths was also found guilty of causing criminal damage in relation to an incident at Knutsford High School.