A TAXI driver who carried out sex attacks has walked free from court.

John Bullock, 49, of Henry Street, Hetton-le-Hole, admitted indecent assault against two victims. Newcastle Crown Court heard that he had committed one of the attacks when he was drunk.

Judge Guy Whitburn told Bullock: "In the light of the pleas, your good character and the catastrophic effect these offences will have on your business - your taxi licence will undoubtedly be taken away from you - I have come to the conclusion that the community is best served by you undergoing a sex offender treatment programme."

Bullock was sentenced to take part in a community rehabilitation programme for two years. The judge also imposed a condition that he must attend the sex offender programme