A Malmesbury man who molested two young girls has been ordered to register as a sex offender after he was spared a jail term for his 'disgraceful behaviour'.

Christopher Bishop, 41, was given a suspended jail sentence after a judge heard he was sorry for what he had done and was in work.

Earlier the court heard that Bishop had a history of crime, involving jail terms, which had given him views that sex offenders were 'disgusting and appalling'.

Ian Dixey, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court on Friday how Bishop was living in Sherston when he abused the girls.

In the summer of last year he groped the backside of a 13-year-old girl.

Bishop then sent her texts asking her to bend over so he could slap her bottom or sent her a photo of her bending over instead.

The child showed the messages to school friends and they persuaded her to tell teachers who informed the authorities.

Mr Dixey said the other girl then revealed that a similar incident had happened to her a few years earlier where he grabbed her bottom.

Bishop, of no fixed abode, admitted two counts of sexual activity with girls aged 12 or 13 and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Robin Shellard, defending, said: "Mr Bishop comes from a type of person who has spent some of their early life involved in the criminal justice system.

"That has involved going to prison an involved having a particular view of sexual offences and sexual offenders.

"Mr Bishop's view of sexual offenders has always been one of hostility and antagonism.

"Now he finds himself in the dock having pleaded guilty to sexual offences the type of which he has always in the past found disgusting and appalling."

He said his client, who was been in employment for the past four years, was very sorry for what he had done and was at a loss to explain why he did it.

Judge Tim Mousley QC said: "I have to sentence you for three sexual offences representing your disgraceful behaviour towards two young girls in the summer of last year.

"The facts of all the offences speak for themselves. Physically they are not the most serious but it remains that you took advantage of these girls and the threats you uttered to them is a serious aspect of this case and it comes as no surprise to read of the emotional harm they have suffered."

"I am told in the pre-sentence report that it is considered that there is a medium risk of your causing harm to children in the future.

"However having read everything in the pre-sentence report and what is in the impact statements and the fact you have shown remorse and the fact you are in employment I have come to the conclusion that I can suspend that sentence."

He imposed a 12-month jail term suspended for two years and told him he must pay a £100 victim surcharge and register as a sex offender for ten years.