A BRIDGWATER man has been jailed for three years after he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in a library. 

Mitchell Rudge, 27 admitted that he had targeted a 16-year-old girl who was studying at Bridgwater Library on December 5 last year as he appeared at Taunton Crown Court via video link from Exeter today. 

Prosecuting barrister, Susan Cavender said Rudge had followed the girl into the library and the victim felt unsafe so she texted a friend and told her she was feeling uncomfortable. 

"He tapped her on the shoulder and asked how old she was, she said it was none of his business" she said. 

"He continued to try and get her attention and showed her his phone which displayed pornographic images of naked men having sex and said this is what he wanted to do to her."

Cavender added that the horrified girl 'froze' after Rudge tried to show her the images for a second time and then screamed at Rudge to 'go away'.

The girl was then helped by a woman in the library and Rudge fled the scene but was later apprehended by police after they found a man who matched the description the young girl gave. 

Defence barrister Simon Cooper said that Rudge was not a 'malignant' individual and that he suffered from learning difficulties. 

"He is bewildered by day to day life, he needs help integrating into society" he said. 

But Judge David Ticehurst said that Rudge, who has 26 convictions for 42 offences including three sexual assaults, knew what he was doing to his victim. 

"I know that Mr Rudge knew exactly what he was doing when he targeted that young girl" he said. 

"I appreciate that you have problems but you continue to offend. 

"This offence was committed when you were on license and you have committed numerous offences before this.

"You continue to commit these offences again and again with no consideration for your victims. 

"You continue to be a risk to girls aged 13 to 17."

Judge Ticehurst sentenced Rudge to three years in jail and after his release he will be on license for 18 months. 

Rudge will also be on the Sexual Offenders register for life.