A disturbed teenager who pushed a woman to the ground and sexually molested her has been sentenced to two years' detention.

Mark West thought the victim was receptive to his advances after she had problems with a boyfriend, Worcester Crown Court heard.

He pushed her up against a wall in Evesham, then put his hand over her mouth as she began shouting at him to leave her alone, said prosecutor Brett Stevenson.

After knocking her over, he sat on her, rubbed her breasts and began to push down her trousers.

At one stage he threatened to "get his mates on her" if she continued shouting.

But the woman struggled free and escaped to a friend's house in the early hours of May 14 this year.

West, aged 18, of Rynal Place, Evesham, pleaded guilty to indecent assault. He was given a not guilty verdict on a charge of attempted rape.

Judge Michael Mott, who also extended his prison licence for two years after his release, said there would be "considerable grounds for disquiet" when he was back in the community.

He added: "This assault was forceful and of the kind that was likely to make her think she was going to be raped."

West has a previous conviction for indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl in 1998.

The defendant also had a record for criminal damage, assault and theft. Stephen Mooney, defending, said: "He is not evil or a malicious sexual deviant, rather he is an adolescent who is uncertain in the etiquette of sexual relationships."

His approach had been wishful thinking after drinking but he persisted much further than he should have done.

West lacked sophistication, had learning difficulties and found it difficult to relate to others.

He had been frightened by being in custody while on remand. There was also a risk of self-harm, added Mr Mooney.