A pensioner who committed sexual assaults on two women – one of them an estate agent – has been sent to jail.

The Bedford Today news website reports that Brendon Murphy, 75, spotted a   female prospective buyer of the house next door to his in the Kempston area of the town. 

As she was waiting for the agent to arrive, Murphy invited her into his home for a cup of tea; however, he promptly sat next to her and effectively blocked her way out of his property as he asked if she had a boyfriend and if she and he could be “partners.”

When the female estate agent turned up, having telephoned the prospective buyer, Murphy invited her in too. He then brushed the back of his hand against one of the agent’s breasts. 

Even when they left Murphy’s property he went on to follow them into the house that was for sale, and then touched the agent’s face. 

Bedford Today says the judge at Luton Crown Court commented to Murphy: “The touching [of the agent] was over her blazer. As you did this, you had what she described as a ‘creepy smirk’ on your face. She felt really uncomfortable and quite scared.” 

The judge continued: “She felt really frightened and panicked. She called her office and you then left. Both women were so frightened that they ran to the estate agent’s car and she drove off.”

Murphy has eight previous convictions for 14 offences including shoplifting, fraudulently using a vehicle licence, driving with no insurance, possessing drugs with intent to supply, criminal damage, driving with excess alcohol, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and three offences of driving while disqualified. 

The judge added that Murphy’s behaviour was that of “a sexual predator” and said: “The location and the fact that estate agents may be vulnerable in that they have to visit other peoples’ homes may be aggravating features.” 

Murphy for a total of nine months and said his name would be placed on the sex offenders register.

You can read the full story here.