A MAN who carried out a sex attack has escaped jail.

George Jarvis, 23, of Pinehurst Road, Swindon, stalked a woman as she walked home in the early hours of the morning after he exposed himself to her.

Jarvis, who has mental health problems, was given a three-year community rehabil-itation order after he admitted indecent assault and exposure. Magistrate Bob Sparling said: "Normally a case of this nature would result in imprisonment.

"In your case we believe it would be better to try and help you first."

The attack took place on October 19 last year, when Jarvis cycled past the 19-year-old victim in Cricklade Road and shouted: "How much do you charge?" to which she replied she was not a prostitute. Richard Thomas, prosecuting, said: "He exposed himself sitting on his bicycle."

The woman rushed home but Jarvis followed her and carried out a sexual assault.

He told police he had "tried to get off with the girl."

David Gostling, defending, said: "This is a man with negligible sexual experience, mental disabilities and relationship problems."

Magistrates sentenced Jarvis to the rehabilitation order on condition he attends any courses the probation service feels appropriate.

They also imposed a six-month curfew between 7pm and 7am.

Jarvis was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to the victim and £130 legal costs.