A 79-year-old man left a young girl “totally freaked out” after sexually assaulting her on a train.

Premchand Shah approached a group of girls in the waiting room of Moor Park train station before following one onto the train to Watford.

Jan Brooks, prosecuting, said Shah sat himself in the middle of the bench although there were plenty of empty seats in the waiting room.

He started to chat to the girls, who were not interested in what he had to say. One of the girls spoke to the defendant and he stroked her hand.

The girl thought it “rather odd” but due to his age did not think much of it.

One of the girls, aged 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, boarded the train. Shah followed her on and sat next to her and began rubbing her leg, said Miss Brooks He asked the college girl how old she was and when she replied “16” he asked when she was going to be 18.

Miss Brooks said: “He put his arm around her shoulder and started to stroke her neck, saying she was very pretty. When the train pulled into Watford station he kissed her and stroked her neck. He then kissed her three more times on the cheek.”

The court heard the teenager got out of the train and kept her distance from him.

Shah was seen to approach a middle age lady, who brushed him away.

Miss Brooks said: “This girl said she was ‘totally freaked out’ by his behaviour.”

Shah, of The Avenue, Northwood, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a female at Watford Magistrates Court on Friday.

His defence said the incident on Thursday, October 18 last year, was totally out of character.

He disputed the events put by the prosecution, claiming there had been no rubbing of the knee and that he had only kissed her on the cheek once.

However, chairman of the bench, Neville Wade, said it would make no difference in sentencing.

In mitigation the court heard Shah had no previous convictions, and could not explain his actions, which began by him being “friendly”.

The self employed insurance consultant only visits the country from Kenya twice a year to see his son and daughter in law and four grandchildren.

He has been married more than 50 years and is the sole carer for his wife, who suffers from chronic arthritis, the court heard.

Chairman of the bench Neville Wade ordered Shah to sign the sex offenders register for five years.

He must inform police of any change of address, name, or if the intends to travel abroad.

He was also ordered to pay £537 in fines and costs and £100 to the victim.

Mr Wade said: “As I am sure you realise your behaviour was totally inappropriate and quite unacceptable.

“It was a young person 16-years-old and had a considerable impact on her.”

Shah intends to return to Kenya with his wife next month.