A Fijian soldier who sexually assaulted a teenage girl has narrowly avoided being sent to prison.

Sailasa Sauvakacolo was found guilty of touching the girl in a sexual manner while he was living on the army base at Catterick Garrison.

The 32-year-old molested the teenager around four years ago, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said the victim had forgiven her abuser and hoped that he would get the help that he needed to prevent him from re-offending.

In her victim impact statement, she said: “Even though you have done this to me, I don’t hate you.

“I hope this mistake can help you with your future and the choices you make.”

Sauvakacolo, who is now living in the Tidworth area, was found guilty of two charges of sexually assaulting a teenage girl following a trial.

Philip Morley, mitigating, said his client was seeking help to address his issues and explained how his immigration status could not be determined until the Army had dealt with him.

He added: “It has been four years since the offences took place and he hasn’t re-offended.

“There is remorse shown in his pre-sentence report albeit very late in the day.

“He is taking steps to address this appalling behaviour.”

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Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe KC sentenced the Fijian defendant to 22 months in custody suspended for two years after starting to address his offending.

“You were found guilty by a jury following a trial of two counts of sexual assault of a 13-year-old child,” he said.

“There was 15 year age difference between you and your victim. You were serving as a soldier in the armed forces at Catterick.”

Sauvakacolo was issued with a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and warned he must sign on the sex offenders’ register for the same length of time.