James WallingtonBUILDER James Wallington could be sent to prison for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old woman in Devizes.

Wallington, 63, of Radnor Place, Melksham, had denied the charge but was convicted by magistrates after a trial at Devizes on Tuesday.

The victim, who repeatedly became upset while giving evidence, said Wallington tried to kiss her on the lips and grabbed her breast when she went into the garden of the house he was working on in Drews Pond Lane to retrieve her dogs. She said he also pulled down his shorts while he had hold of her.

She said before the assault Wallington had talked to her about becoming a prostitute.

Prosecutor Nicola Wootton said Wallington also suggested that the victim go to his car with him and afterwards she could walk away with no strings attached and money.

The court heard Wallington and the victim had spoken on about six occasions over a two week period when she was walking her family's dogs last July.

During one of the conversations Wallington had commented to the victim that she ought to wear a skirt as he wanted to see her legs.

The victim's mother said Wallington had made inappropriate comments to her. She said: "He said he preferred me to walk the dogs in nice weather because I had less clothes on and one time he said I looked tasty."

Emm Wrench, defending, said the comments made by Wallington were "builders' banter."

Wallington said the victim initiated the conversation about prostitutes and said it was difficult for him to pull down his shorts as they were tied with a double knot.

He also said he was allergic to smoke and perfume. He could smell both on his victim and he would not want to get close to her.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for an all options report. Sentencing will take place on May 23 at Andover Magistrates Court.

As a result of the conviction Wallington has been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.