A PERVERT who groped several women in a string of sexual assaults in Bolton town centre has been jailed for six months.

Ahmed Akram targeted women in their 20s in the Bradshawgate and Nelson Square areas on August 2.

In a half hour period in the early hours of the morning the 21-year-old touched five women's bottoms, the breast of a sixth female and grabbed and attempted to kiss a seventh woman.

Denise Fitzpatrick, prosecuting, said the incidents were caught on CCTV but an appeal made through the media for the victims to come forward was unsuccessful.

Miss Fitzpatrick added that 3.52am Akram was seen walking beside two women, grabbed the buttocks of one woman and then lunged forward and did the same to a second, before walking off.

Seconds later he was seen talking to a woman leaning against shop shutters in Bradshawgate, putting his hand behind her and groping her bottom.

At 3.55am he was spotted walking up behind a woman in her mid 20s and grabbing her backside, running away when challenged by a man who was with her.

But just two minutes later he was back at Bradshawgate where he squeezed the breast of a woman as she walked past in the opposite direction.

Miss Fitzpatrick said: "She looked shocked and he continued along Bradshawgate as if nothing had occurred."

His final offence took place four minutes later near the Karaoke Bar when he stood blocking the path of another woman, put his arms around her and tried to kiss her as she struggled to get away.

Akram, of Grisdale Road, Deane, was arrested a week later and pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault.

Martin Pizzey, defending, said Akram, who was born in Pakistan and has lived in Bolton for six years after moving from Belgium, had been drinking.

Mr Pizzey said: "He knows what has happened is wrong and is reprehensible. He would not have acted in this particular manner if he was sober.

"He behaved in a foolish and rather silly way."

Recorder Mark Ainsworth told Akram he was obliged to send him to prison.

He said: "This was a shameful episode. On the streets that night you were approaching, and therefore targeting, young ladies."

Akram was also placed on the sex offenders' register for seven years.