Coalville bus sex-pest gets community order at Leicester court trial

A man who sexually assaulted two vulnerable men during bus journeys has given a two-year community order.

Robert Nigel Archer (38) molested a 17-year-old student, with learning difficulties, on May 22 this year.

The victim got on the bus in Coalville.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting, said Archer touched the student inappropriately, over his clothing. She said the victim froze and could not do anything.

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"The defendant asked if he liked it and he shook his head,'' she said.

He reported the incident as soon as he got off the bus.

When arrested, Archer confessed, saying he was aware the boy had mental health difficulties.

At the time, he was on bail for a similar offence committed in Staffordshire, in September last year.

On that occasion, he was travelling on a bus next to a 23-year-old, who also had learning difficulties, when he touched him inappropriately.

Miss Rose told Leicester Crown Court: "The complainant was uncomfortable and got off at an earlier stop than intended.

"He told the police he had headphones on and was aware the defendant was speaking to him, but did not know what was said.

"When arrested, the defendant accepted his actions but said he believed the complainant was attracted to him.

"He conceded the victim said and did nothing to encourage him to act in that way."

Archer, of Scotlands Drive, Coalville, pleaded guilty to both sex assaults.

He had a previous conviction for a similar sexual assault on a male under 16, on a bus in 2008.

James House, mitigating, said: "He's already served 140 days on remand in custody.

"The greater long-term benefit is served if he undertakes a course that he did not undergo on the last occasion (in 2008).

"He presents as a sad and lonely individual and is also vulnerable.

"His parents are deceased.

"He seeks out solace and companionship with others, but accepts that his conduct was entirely wrong."

Archer was sentenced to a two-year community order, with supervision, and a requirement to attend a community sex offender group work programme.

Judge Michael Pert told him if he breached the order or re-offended he could expect a prison sentence.