A 15-year-old Melksham girl is determined to put the past behind her after a man admitted indecently assaulting her.

Jeffrey Fuller, 39, of Avonfield in Holt, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecently assaulting the girl between March 2000 and December 2002 when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday.

The girl suffered the abuse between the ages of 11 to 13 and, after hearing Mr Fuller had changed his original plea to guilty, she described her relief.

She said: "The last few years have been very difficult and I am just relieved I can try and forget about it now. I was not nervous about the trial because I wanted everyone to know what he had done. I don't have any feelings towards him at all.

"I just want to get on with the rest of my life. For me this is closure and I can now start again."

The court heard Mr Fuller, who suffers from ME, believed it was acceptable to touch the girl's breasts over her clothing while saying "honk honk".

Lynne Matthews, prosecuting, said: "She said this did not bother her because she thought it was normal. She thought it was how people behave.

"The three counts the defendant has pleaded guilty to cover examples of his behaviour when she was 11, 12 and 13.

"They are just examples of such behaviour between this time. The defendant didn't admit this when questioned but I am sure the victim will be relieved she does not have to give evidence."

John Jones, defending, said: "Mr Fuller is a man of previous good character with considerable health problems. The psychiatrist's report backs up his assertions he was suffering from ME."

A complaint was first made to the police in August 2002 and Mr Fuller will now be sentenced on June 7.

The girl's mother said she was relieved Mr Fuller had pleaded guilty and now hoped he would get a fitting punishment.

She said: "When I heard he had admitted it I just wanted to scream. I am delighted that my girl did not have to go through a trial. This man knew the evidence against him was strong because he knew what he did to my daughter.

"The whole thing has put a strain on all my family and we are all very relieved it is all over.

"I would like him to go to prison with other prisoners who know exactly what he did. I want everyone to know what a monster he is."