A RESPECTED golf club worker who groped two teenage girls has been spared prison.

For more than six months, Gerard Gray, from Bebington, made inappropriate remarks and touched the girls, who were aged 15 and 16 at the time.

Liverpool Crown Court heard the 69-year-old, who worked at Arrowe Park Golf Club shop, Woodchurch, in Birkenhead, was introduced to the girls by a colleague.

The pensioner would compliment the youngsters, hug them and ask for “proper kisses” when they visited.

Zia Chaudhry, prosecuting, said he would squeeze their breasts and bottoms.

The golfing enthusiast was arrested after one of the girls confided in her sister. In a victim impact statement, she told how she felt Gray had taken away her innocence.

Gray, of Town Lane, Bebington, admitted two charges of sexual activity with a child and three charges of sexual assault.

But Judge Mark Brown decided to give him a second chance after learning of his respected position in the community through glowing character references.

He suspended a six-month prison sentence for two years and placed Gray, who has a heart condition, under supervision for two years.

The pensioner, who has no previous convictions, will also have to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.

Judge Brown said: “Over a period of months, you were involved in wholly inappropriate behaviour towards them.

“It might be thought that behaviour was part of a grooming process, and it is fortunate it ended when it did.”

He added: “Your presence in the Crown Court dock is something of a tragedy, for a man of your age to find your reputation so tarnished.”

Judge Brown also warned Gray to think more carefully about his behaviour in the future.