assault of a 15-year-old American visitor on a South Shore beach.

Rickie T. Thompson, of no fixed address, admitted the offence before Acting Senior Magistrate the Wor. John Judge.

Crown Counsel Ms Sharon Kenny told the court that on Sunday morning the victim and a friend were walking along a beach trail towards Horseshoe Bay when Thompson stopped them.

Thompson began to follow them and grabbed the victim's arm and tried to drag her to a secluded area. The victim's friend ran for help.

He pulled her bikini top off, exposing her breasts and unsuccessfully attempted to remove her bikini bottom.

Thompson rubbed himself against her legs and tried to force them open to fondle her.

The girl bit Thompson on the chest and was able to escape.

Police arrested Thompson on Tuesday morning. He admitted the offence during questioning at Hamilton Police Station.

Thompson told Police that he assaulted the girl because he had an "uncontrollable sexual urge''.

Mr. Judge remanded Thompson in custody and adjourned the matter until September 23, pending a psychiatric report.