yesterday, after stalking and sexually assaulting a woman in January.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner said Gary Marcello Jones' previous record of sexual assault, which dates back to 1975 was "horrendous''.

On January 26, the complaint was shopping at a store when she noticed Jones staring at her from underneath a raincoat, draped over his head and shoulders.

He followed her throughout the store and she finally turned and confronted Jones, asking him what he wanted.

Jones, 52, of Ewing Street, Pembroke, did not respond and just stared at her.

The complainant left the store and walked to Front Street. Jones, who had followed her, put his hands on her lower buttocks, between her legs then felt up to her waist. She turned around and slowly backed away. Jones turned and left. The complainant called Police who searched the area and subsequently arrested Jones.

He initially said he had not done anything but later admitted to sexual assault.

Crown Counsel Graveney Bannister told Mr. Warner: "The defendant has a number of previous offences but the more recent ones happened in 1996.

"The defendant was found guilty of intruding on the privacy of a female and in that same Supreme Court trial he was found guilty of sexual assault.'' Jones also served three years for sexually assaulting two different people and was found guilty of indecent assault in 1978, he said.

Jones pleaded guilty to the latest incident but said he had an explanation.

"I was forced to make that statement. The lady never picked me out of the line and the guy (Police) never had a warrant to arrest me,'' he said.

"Somebody else was picked out of the line up. I remained anonymous so obviously you got the person.'' But when Mr. Warner pointed out to Jones that he just pleaded guilty, Jones said: "But I was saying I'm guilty with an explanation.'' Mr. Bannister told Mr. Warner that Jones was identified by the complainant.

"Also the summary did point to him as the one who followed her when she left the store. She had the opportunity to identify him,'' said Mr. Bannister.

Mr. Warner said: "The court must consider all these statements and in the circumstances they do not amount to an equivocal defence.'' Mr. Warner noted Jones' previous record beginning with a 1978 conviction for unlawful and indecent assault and another 1979.

A page in Jones' record was missing but other offences include a 1995 sexual assault and 1996 Supreme Court conviction of sexual assault for which he was imprisoned for 12 months.

Mr. Warner said: "Clearly that was too short a period (in jail).'' Mr. Warner responded: "The law says sexual predators like you shouldn't be allowed to roam the streets. Now sit down!'' Jones, was sentenced to four years imprisonment and recommended for psychological treatment while incarcerated.