AN elderly man who befriended a schoolgirl and then sexually assaulted her walked free from court yesterday.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Donald Anderson, 70, tried to entice the 13-year-old to his home for sweets and drinks over a number of weeks.

He then exposed himself to the youngster and tried to place her hand on his body, on March 24.

Andrew Finlay, prosecuting, told the court how the girl tried to escape but was held back.

Murphy then attempted to give her a £5 note and when she refused, pushed it into her pocket.

John Temple, mitigating, told the court that Murphy made full admissions to police before the girl made a complete statement.

Sentencing Murphy, Judge Beatrice Bolton, said: "Up to the age of 70, this defendant enjoyed a hard-working, blameless life. Something has gone wrong, either mentally, physically, or both. One does wonder if this is the early signs of dementia."

And the judge told Murphy: "Over the past few months, you have shown very worrying conduct and you do not seem to understand how worrying it is."

Murphy, of Albert Street, Chester-le-Street, admitted gross indecency and was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order.

He was ordered to attend the sex offenders' programme and placed under a restraining order, banning him from being in the same property at any time with a child under the age of 16.