A man who sexually assaulted two women in a “predatory and disturbing” attack in High Wycombe’s Eden Shopping Centre has avoided a jail sentence, but will be placed on the sex offenders register.

Gregory Ansell of Chalk Farm Road, was arrested by police after touching two women and putting his arm around another woman, in October last year.

The 25-year-old has now been sentenced to a two year supervision order and will be placed on the sex offenders register for a minimum of five years.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and two counts of sexual assault by touching, at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court.

Investigating officer, PC Richard Lunn, said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the victims who have shown great courage and bravery in coming forward to report these offences.

“Thames Valley Police takes all reports of this nature extremely seriously and we have specially-trained officers who can assist victims to come forward as well as support them through the ongoing process.

“The shopping centre security team’s evidence proved vital in securing the conviction and I would like to extend my thanks to them and all the witnesses, some of whom came forward as a direct result of media coverage.

“Ansell’s behaviour was predatory and disturbing; his conviction is very much welcomed.

“Accompanying the supervision order was a stringent list of conditions that Ansell must follow.

“Breaking of these conditions will put him back before the courts for resentence, with a possibility of a custodial sentence.”

In addition to the sentences, he was ordered to pay court costs of £400, a victim surcharge of £60 and compensation to the victims totally £150.