A MAN who sexually assaulted a woman and headbutted her partner told police he was “just being a lad”, a court heard.

Jacob Thomas groped the woman in an unprovoked attack during a late night incident in the smoking area of Boomerang, on High Street, Hamble.

When the victim’s boyfriend told him to leave her alone, the 21-year-old struck the man with his head.

The victim was left him in hospital with a fractured nose.

At Southampton Magistrates’ Court Liam Hunter, prosecuting, said the woman shouted “get off me” when she felt Thomas’ hand grasp her.

Thomas, a former Hamble Community Sports College pupil, then told her boyfriend “I like your Mrs” before asking if he could have sex with her.

Mr Hunter told the court: “There was a bit of back and forth between Thomas and the boyfriend.

“The victim tried to speak to her boyfriend to say to go inside.

“When he turned his head to hear what she said, Thomas headbutted him.

“Initially bouncers dealt with the situation but police were later called and arrested Thomas.”

During an interview with police, Thomas explained that he was drunk during the incident and “just being a lad”.

The incident took place at nearly midnight on the evening of May 19.

District Judge Peter Greenfield told Thomas prison was likely as his actions were “too serious” for sentencing within the magistrates’ court.

His actions were so severe that the district judge warned him he could be sentenced to a year in prison.

Thomas, of Redcroft Lane, Bursledon, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a female over the age of 16 and assault by beating.

He will be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on June 25.