A MAN who molested a heavily pregnant woman at a Burnley bus stop has been jailed for a total of 32 months.

Owen Lawrence, 29, forcibly kissed the terrified 23-year-old, groped her and made vulgar and offensive sexual insults in front of her three-year-old child.

The victim, who was 37-weeks pregnant, was later admitted to hospital bleeding but went on to have a healthy child, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Lawrence, who had been on bail at the time, left the woman extremely upset after the incident in Duke Bar in March.

The defendant, of Hurtley Street, Burnley, admitted affray, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity. He was put on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.

Sentencing, Judge Simon Newell told Lawrence the woman, who had been 37 weeks pregnant, must have been caused considerable terror, worry and upset and then even more distress when she had to go to hospital. He added:" This was a considerable ordeal for her."

Lisa Roberts, prosecuting, told the court in March the pregnant woman, whose daughter was with her in a pushchair, was at a bus stop when the defendant asked for some money and her phone number.

He showed her a tag - he was on a curfew at the time - and she was becoming increasingly anxious, thinking he was going to steal from her.

He then turned his attentions to the child, stroking her head and upsetting her. The victim walked away to wait for her bus and Lawrence then grabbed her hair from behind and kissed her, forcing his tongue into her mouth.

Miss Roberts said the young mum tried to push him away but the defendant then fondled her bottom and private parts, before being vulgar and offensive and making lewd comments.

She later went to hospital when she started to bleed and was concerned about the welfare of her unborn child. The defendant was arrested shortly afterwards because of his strong Irish accent and the fact he was wearing a tag.

Patrick Buckley, for Lawrence, said he accepted he would receive a lengthy custodial sentence.