Breaking News ! A drunken man who sexually assaulted a nurse as she treated him in hospital has been spared jail. Andrew Pickup was admitted to the Royal Liverpool Hospital in July last year after suffering a seizure. The 38-year-old then started asking the nurse suggestive questions and asked if she had a boyfriend. He then smacked the nurse on the bottom, leaving her "shocked" and "upset", prompting her to confide in a colleague. Pickup appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court this afternoon after he admitted one count of sexual assault. Tom Hanlon, prosecuting, explained that Pickup was admitted to the Royal Liverpool Hospital "after having a seizure". Mr Hanlon explained Pickup was "intoxicated" adding "the complainant was treating Mr Pickup in a cubicle." Pickup "began to become suggestive" and was "asking if she had a boyfriend". When she responded that she did, Pickup said: "Well I want you to tell him he isn't good enough for you." Mr Hanlon said: "She stood up to leave and he smacked her across her bottom. "She was shocked and upset. She informed a colleague and they informed police." The court heard that when Pickup was challenged by a security officer for his behaviour he said: "I know, I'm sorry it was disgusting, I know I shouldn't have touched her." Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here In a police interview Pickup said "he argued with his partner" and admitted he had been drinking, adding that he didn't remember but didn't challenge what was put to him. Pickup, of The Shires, St Helens, has two previous convictions for non-relevant offences, the court heard. David Achilles, defending, said Pickup is "ashamed of his behaviour on this particular occasion".

. It was out of character." Mr Achilles said Pickup "remembers very little if anything" not only because he was "intoxicated" but also because "he suffers seizures following a brain injury eight or nine years ago". He said: "He doesn't dispute the evidence and has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity . He accepted that in interview." Read More Related Articles Mum of six who smashed her way into Tesco Express is spared jail Read More Related Articles Desperado guzzler, Molotov cocktail mum to be and pervert rulebreaker jailed this week Mr Achilles told the court Pickup is in full time employment and said his "partner is standing by him despite the allegation". He said: "He is a man who is earning a living and simply wants to put this behind him." Mr Achilles also asked the judge to consider that Pickup's last conviction took place eight years ago. District Judge James Clarke, sentencing, said: "This offence is serious to start with. Your solicitor is right to recognise this young lady was working in a vulnerable position. Enter your postcode below to find vaccine sites near you "Members of NHS staff have a great deal to contend with at the moment. They do not need to have to additionally deal with people who are drunken and behaving in that manner." The district judge noted Pickup has no similar convictions, shows "genuine remorse" by way of his plea and has a "very strong prospect of rehabilitation". Pickup was handed a 12 month community order and must complete 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay his victim £500 in compensation and pay prosecution costs of £85 as well as a £95 victim surcharge. Pickup must also sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years. Read More Related Articles All your questions answered on lockdown roadmap from holidays and pubs to meeting loved ones Read More Related Articles 11 person committee that will decide on the future of Everton's stadium plans today

Source = MetiNews.Com