A PUB landlord who indecently assaulted a young woman walked free from court amid claims he had "misread the signals".

Andrew George Campbell, 50, pulled down the 18-year-old's vest and bra to expose her breasts, and she tried to flee.

But the former naval serviceman grabbed her from behind, put his hand down her trousers and touched her intimately.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the teenager now suffers from anxiety, is taking medication and having counselling.

Campbell, who ran the Beckfields in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton, admitted indecent assault but then tried to change his plea.

The unusual bid was rejected by a judge earlier this month, and he returned to court to be sentenced today (Thurs, Nov 17).

Campbell, now of Kester Drive, Scunthorpe, was given a 21-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 160 hours of unpaid community work.

His barrister, William Donnelly, said although he was not blaming the victim, Campbell had "misread the signals".

Mr Donnelly told the court how the case has brought shame to Campbell's innocent grown-up son and his new fiancée.

"He will have to face the inevitable press interest in this case," the lawyer told Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC.

"It will be splashed across the newspapers, there is little doubt about that because there is a keen public interest in this sort of case."

Campbell will also be on the sex offenders' register for ten years and will have to tell future employers about his conviction.

Judge Bourne-Arton told him: "The effect of what you did to her has been significant. She has lost her self-confidence.

"You had the irrational and unrealistic belief that she would consent to some form of sexual activity with you."