A PERVERT who sexually assaulted an 89-year-old woman has been warned by a judge that he must prove he is no longer a danger to the public before he is released from jail.

Daniel Simonetti was given a minimum sentence of two years and 201 days after pleading guilty to the sickening attack on the woman in her home in Ashton-in-Makerfield in February.

Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Simonetti, who is hard of hearing, learned his fate by lipreading via an interpreter facing him in the dock.

At the time, the 31-year-old from Roper Street in Merton Bank was working for a pharmacist delivering prescriptions.

The court heard how Simonetti, who knew the victim, had been making deliveries to her neighbours, but entered her flat as she was undressing.

He locked the door behind him and closed the curtains.

Claiming to be a trainee doctor he asked her to remove certain items of clothing before committing an act of gross indecency.

Prosecuting barrister Keith Sutton said that Simonetti had been in a position of trust in order to carry out his work.

Judge John Roberts explained that as a result of the incident the woman has been left frightened and worried. She is now reluctant to leave her flat and is plagued by nightmares.

Paul Treble defending, said that Simonetti regrets his actions and is full of remorse.

He told the court: “The defendant accepts this was a terrible case and was very distressing for the victim.

“He is an unusual defendant in that he shows remarkable empathy for his victim. He wants to apologise and can understand how his family feel. He realises he has a problem and realises he needs assistance and support to change his behaviour.”

Sentencing Simonetti, Judge Roberts made reference to a police caution he received in 1996 for indecency against the four-year-old daughter of an acquaintance he knew through his involvement with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He said: “This was a gross breach of trust you committed to a vulnerable lady of 89. And the fact that in 1996 you were cautioned for and therefore by definition admitted having committed an offence of indecency against a four-year-old girl.

"That offence and the offence for which you are to be sentenced, which is a serious specific offence, involve sexual assault on vulnerable people; females all be it at the opposite end of the normal life span.

“I have come to the view there is a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public. The gap in time between 1996 and 2009 does not persuade me otherwise. You do present a danger to vulnerable females.

“The minimum term you must serve before you are even considered for parole is two years and 201 days, but it does not mean you will be released after that time.

"You will not be released while you present a danger to vulnerable females.”

Simonetti must also sign the Sex Offender’s Register for life.

Detective Constable Paul Crompton, of Wigan CID, said: “This elderly woman had a horrific experience. She was sexually assaulted by someone she should have been able to trust and now, when she’s in the twilight of her years, she has to deal with the psychological effects of what Simonetti has done to her.”