A RESIDENT in a mental health care unit indecently assaulted a female worker.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Burke grabbed the care worker by the buttocks as she was vacuuming the stairs.

The court was told that at a later date Burke assaulted another female care worker by pushing her to the floor.

Burke, 25, of Whalley Road, Accrington, admitted sexual assault and assault. He was fined £280 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to each of the victims, £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.

Adam Bonney, prosecuting, said the indecent assault occurred in March when the victim was working at Pathways in Accrington where the defendant lived.

As she was vacuuming the stairs she felt something pressing against her and realised Burke had hold of her buttock and was squeezing.

“When she challenged him he said it was OK he was only joking,” said Mr Bonney.

“The victim didn’t suffer any injuries but she said the incident had left her feeling dirty and vulnerable.”

The assault on another female care worker was at the same site in June.

The defendant was in the garden and threw a cup at the wall. When he was challenged he knocked the assistant’s glasses off and then pushed her to the floor.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client’s behaviour fell well below the expected standard and he knew it. “Regardless of his mental health issues there will come a time when the courts will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and he could lose his liberty,” said Mr Taylor.