A MAN who sexually molested a schoolboy has escaped jail - but was warned prison awaited if he flouted a community sentence.

Paul Helm, 42, struck after the 14-year-old victim had left a newsagent's shop in Accrington.

Helm, who has previous sex offences on his record, wiped away tears as a judge at Burnley Crown Court told him his behaviour had been "particularly worrying" but a non custodial penalty was the best way to protect the public.

The defendant, of Haworth House Hostel, Blackburn, admitted indecent assault on January 13. He was given a three year community rehabilitation order and told he faced 12 months behind bars if he breached it.

Under the order, Helm must live at the hostel for a year, observe a curfew between 11pm and 6am, take part in a Sex Offenders' Programme and not engage in any paid or voluntary work with children under 18 without the approval of his supervising probation officer.

The defendant is also banned from visiting homes with children under 18 without the permission of his supervising officer and must not live in a house with anybody under 18. Helm must also sign the Sex Offenders' Register.

Sentencing, Judge Barbara Watson told Helm the case was serious, unpleasant, and the attack must have been frightening and humiliating for the adolescent victim.

The judge said Helm's conduct was particularly worrying because it had taken place in public in full view of a witness.

Judge Watson said Helm had a background of similar offences in 1989 and 1991. Psychiatric and pre-sentence reports stated the defendant had had difficulties in life - and highlighted the different perceptions he had of behaviour which perhaps departed from the norm.

Judge Watson said the court's primary concern must be the protection of the public but if Helm was given a short jail term he would not be given any support or guidance. The judge said she was satisfied the three year "very precise and tight order" was the right sentence, but if Helm broke the conditions he would be brought back before her.