A TOWN centre CCTV operator left his post to save a woman he had spotted being sexually assaulted, a court heard.

Philip Bailey was monitoring the cameras at 9pm on July 4 when he became concerned about a woman he saw staggering through the quiet streets.

Vanessa Thomson, prosecuting, told a jury how the 59-year-old woman was drunk after leaving a family wedding party where she had consumed Champagne and lager.

As she walked through Bolton town centre, Mr Bailey realised she was alone and vulnerable and so followed her movements with his cameras.

But she was also seen on Corporation Street by 29-year-old Sharat Ramani, who walked up behind the woman and kissed her.

Miss Thomas said the victim pushed him away but he pursued her again and touched her breasts.

Again, she pushed him off but he grabbed her a third time, putting his hand up her skirt and as she pulled away from him she stumbled backwards and fell to the ground.

As the woman struggled to get herself up again Ramani is said to have continued his sexual assault.

Mr Bailey was so alarmed by what was happening that he left his office and headed for the street.

"When he got down there he saw the defendant still crouched beside (the victim) and, when the defendant saw him, he quickly walked away," said Miss Thomson.

Mr Bailey alerted his colleagues and police and the alleged attacker was arrested within 10 minutes, despite having removed the black tracksuit top he had previously been seen wearing.

Ramani, of Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, has admitted three counts of sexual assault but denies assault by penetration.

Miss Thomson told the jury that an examination by a doctor revealed the woman had suffered genital injuries and her DNA was found on Ramani's nail clippings.

After his arrest Ramani told police that the woman had begun kissing him and stated that if he had touched her it was accidental as he was trying to stop her falling down.

The trial continues.