A PENSIONER has been handed a suspended sentence for indecently assaulting a teenager.

Edwin Prior, 68, of Rowan Close, Pewsey, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court for the offence where he was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years.

The victim, who was aged 18 at the time of the assault, has been praised for her bravery in coming forward.

The offences took place in Swanage in 1997.

Prior pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on the first day of a trial at Dorchester Crown Court on March 21 and was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on April 29.

He was sentenced to 18 months on each count, to be served concurrently and suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out a 12-month supervision requirement.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard that on two separate evenings in December 1997, Prior indecently assaulted his victim in his car by groping her inappropriately.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Sarah Desmond, of Weymouth CID, said: “I would like to thank the brave victim for coming forward and reporting these crimes. She has shown great courage to speak out and support the prosecution.

“I hope this case will help to encourage anyone who has suffered abuse to come forward and have confidence that we will thoroughly investigate such crimes and bring offenders to justice.”