A shop assistant quit her job and now fears unfamiliar men after being sexually assaulted by an 80-year-old grandad at work.

Shajidur Rahman, of Alderman Road, Ipswich, likened the woman to his own granddaughter before kissing and groping her as she worked in the town on October 3.

The pensioner’s behaviour was called ‘appalling’ by a judge at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Rahman entered the shop, kissed his victim on the cheek, hugged her and patted her breasts.

When she removed his arms and stepped behind the shop counter, Rahman asked if she was married and minded what he was doing.

After insisting she did mind, Rahman said she was the same height and age as one of his eight grandchildren, pursed his lips and asked for another kiss – to which his victim again objected.

Police were called to the shop, where officers viewed CCTV and arrested Rahman – a UK resident since 1963, married for 50 years.

Prosecutor, Lucy Miller said Rahman initially told police the victim had invited him to kiss her.

“He said he put his arm around her and touched her shoulder, that she was happy and laughing.

“On CCTV, he was seen kissing her on the cheek, touching her breasts and rubbing them.

“He told police he was very concerned his family would hear about it and that it would be in the press. He said he was very sorry and asked for god’s forgiveness.

“The victim had no other choice but to leave her job. She has been affected emotionally and psychologically, and is attending counselling.

“She feels on edge if men approach her and she is unaware of their presence.”

Rahman, who has no previous convictions, was accompanied by his son in court for sentencing, following his previous admissions to two counts of sexual assault at court on October 25.

When asked if he had anything to say, he replied: “I’m sorry. My head is not very well.”

District Judge Celia Dawson told him: “You said she reminded you of your granddaughter – think how you would feel if someone did this to her.

“While it’s clear you were concerned about the effect this would have on you, I’m concerned about the effect your appalling behaviour had on this young lady.”

Rahman received a three-month jail term, suspended for a year, under supervision of probation, with 15 days rehabilitation, and ordered to pay £200 compensation.