A HOTEL worker has been ordered to have treatment at a sex offenders' programme after he groped a teenage papergirl.

Mark Cottier, aged 28, was arrested after the 15-year-old girl said he had propositioned her on the street then tried to kiss her.

The incident occurred last March while Cottier was on his way to work at the four-star Marriott Hotel and Country Club hotel in Worsley.

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, heard Cottier had been on a bus when he first spotted the girl as she was delivering papers in Worsley.

Miss Nicola Gatto, prosecuting, said Cottier got off the bus and asked the girl if she had a boyfriend.

A few days later she encountered Cottier again. He said "I'm not going to rape you" before asking the girl to give him a slap on the cheek. As she did so, Cottier grabbed her by her shoulders and lunged forward to kiss her.

He ran off when the girl cried for help to a passing motorist. Cottier was later picked out at an identity parade. Cottier, of Station Road, Eccles, admitted indecent assault and was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order. He must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years.