Ian Palmer pounced twice in the space of half an hour on New Year's Day, leaving two women terrified.

But despite pre-sentence reports describing Palmer as a "significant risk to women",Judge George Moorhouse admitted he was guided to free him to enable him to carry out a sex offenders' programme which he would not get in prison.

One of his victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said: "I feel this man should be kept behind bars to protect women like me."

In his first attack, Palmer grabbed one woman and tried to pull her round a corner to sexually assault her, but she screamed and ran away.

He struck again within half an hour and approached another woman in the street before grabbing her.

Both women, who were middle-aged, were strangers to Palmer, 29.
Prosecuting, Paul Newcombe said: "The defendant put his hand across her face, splitting her lip.

"He tried to drag her around the corner. She was shouting and screaming and eventually he released her by throwing her against the wall.

"The victim described herself as being so scared she was crying and wet herself."

Around half an hour later at 9.30pm, Palmer pounced on another woman.
Mr Newcombe said: "He grabbed her breasts and she swore at him and he left."

The second victim led police to where the attack happened and where a cigarette dropped by Palmer that night was found.

He was arrested after his DNA was found on it.

Two years ago Palmer made more than 150 filthy mobile phone calls to around 20 random women.

But he forgot to withhold his number and was given a 12-month supervision order and unpaid work for harassment.

Palmer, of Loch Grove, Hartlepool, was due to stand trial over the attacks but admitted sexual assault and attempted sexual assault.

Robin Denny, mitigating, said Palmer, who has been in prison on remand since mid January, described him as "a solitary individual".

He added: "I accept there is a concern here, but mercifully he didn't go very far with these attacks although they are alarming and I accept that."

The court heard he had smoked 15 cannabis joints that day.

Palmer was given a three-year supervision order, will go on a sexual offenders' programme and will sign the sex offenders' register for five years.

On top of that, he was given a four-month curfew which will keep him indoors from 7pm-7am.

Judge Moorhouse said: "It appears to me you desperately need some help to overcome this addiction.

"The report says you are of significant risk of harm to women, but for reasons I think I have made clear that doesn't enable me today to pass sentence for public protection."