A TEENAGER was yesterday ordered to be detained for four years for a drunken spree in which he tried to indecently assault three women in daylight attacks.

Stephen Hewitt, 17, was branded "a danger to women" by Judge Denis Orde, after hearing of the incidents involving two students and a young mother on the streets of Durham.

Hewitt, living in a bail hostel in Middlesbrough at the time, went to Durham on February 24 after drinking Tia Maria and vodka.

Durham Crown Court was told he accosted a student and pinned her to the ground after kicking and punching her.

Robin Patton, prosecuting, said although she shrugged him off, he grabbed her, banged her head off a wall and again forced her to the ground.

He placed one hand over her mouth and fumbled with her clothing with the other, but she was able to kick out with her legs.

The struggle continued in Stockton Road, Durham, until she began screaming for help, which caused Hewitt to flee.

Mr Patton said Hewitt had already targeted another female student, following her as she made her way alone in Church Street, until she screamed after seeking help from passing friends.

In the third incident, he grabbed a young woman in an alleyway as she made her way to pick up a child from nursery.

She managed to break free after kicking Hewitt and ran to the sanctuary of other waiting parents.

Hewitt was arrested a short time later near the city magistrates' court and made a full admission.

Penny Moreland, mitigating, said Hewitt was highly remorseful for his actions, and wanted to publicly apologise to his victims.

She said it was a very sad situation as, at the age of 17, Hewitt had effectively been abandoned by his family and had no visits in custody while awaiting sentence.

Hewitt admitted indecent assault, affray and attempted indecent assault.

Judge Orde imposed a four-year detention order in secure accommodation where Hewitt will receive specific treatment as a sexual offender.

He will also remain on the sexual offenders' register indefinitel