A MAN previously considered a drunken nuisance is facing a lengthy prison sentence following a street sex attack on a mature student.

Joseph James Holmes was said to have approached the woman as she was walking in Albert Street, Durham, at about 7.30pm, on Monday, December 12.

Durham Crown Court heard that he had his hand in his pocket and told the woman he was carrying a knife, before shouting to her: “Take off your knickers”.

He then pushed her into some bushes and onto the ground, where he indecently touched the woman.

Tamara Pawson, prosecuting, said a passer-by came to her assistance and the defendant left the scene, but, following circulation of his description, he was arrested in a nearby street a short time later.

Although he initially denied responsibility, he subsequently made admissions, prior to the result of forensic tests on the victim’s clothing, positively linking Holmes to the attack.

Appearing in court via video link from nearby Durham Prison, the 45-year-old defendant, whose address was given as care/of the Changing Lives men’s hostel, at Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street, admitted a charge of sexual assault.

Miss Pawson said the victim has made a statement about the impact the attack has had on her in the subsequent weeks, and would like it read to the court prior to Holmes’ sentencing hearing.

Following the ‘guilty’ plea, Judge Christopher Prince urged the Crown to ensure the victim is made aware of Holmes’ admission and said she should be told she can be present in court for the sentencing hearing.

Judge Christopher Prince called for an assessment of the defendant by the Probation Service prior to the sentencing hearing, “given his record and the circumstances of this offence.”

He said that, depending on the findings of the background probation report, a further psychiatric assessment could be made, if considered necessary.

The judge told Holmes he may be sentenced at the next listed hearing, on Friday February 10, unless a psychiatric report is also required.but if a psychiatric report was required the sentencing hearing would be put back by several weeks to allow for its preparation.

Following his ‘guilty’ plea, Holmes will automatically be subject to registration as a sex offender.