A Southampton man sexually assaulted a woman in front of her child after helping with her shopping and then barging his way into her home.

Gurchetan Johal got to the front door of her flat under the guise of helping her with some heavy bags - and then confessed his love for her out of the blue.

The 40-year-old asked for five minutes with her in her home, and she tried to shut the door on him.

But he pushed his way inside and put his hand on her chest in the process.

The woman was 'fearful for what was going to happen' and ran out of her flat, crying. 

READ MORE: Mark Noke trial: Murder accused blames another for stabbing

In a statement read out his sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, she said she was 'shocked and confused' and 'very uncomfortable in her own home'. 

She said it has had a 'huge impact on her life' and has left her feeling unable to sleep in her own room and 'scared of her own shadow'. 

Prosecuting, Andrew Houston said her young daughter has been left more shy around strangers, with her mother now being disturbed by visions of the incident. 

"She has good days and bad days but describes herself as an emotional wreck," he said.

Johal, of Primrose Road, Southampton was convicted by a jury of sexual assault after the incident in April 2022.

He also pleaded guilty to a breach of bail after he failed to attend court when required. 

READ MORE: Southampton: Pensioner nearly killed friend of 20 years in stabbing

But defending Johal, Graham Gilbert said there was a 'prospect of rehabilitation', adding: "Clearly something went wrong with Mr Johal. His thinking, his actions, his attitude in 2022.

"He has got no-one to blame but himself."

He said the offence 'doesn't appear to be an overtly sexual assault' with it having occurred as he tried to push her through the flat door. 

Johal, who has one previous offence for assaulting his wife, was jailed for two years and one month.

He must register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.

Judge Brian Forster told him: "What took place has had a considerable impact upon not only the victim but also the whole family.

"When all things are considered, I cannot escape from the fact that this was a terrible incident for a young woman with her child within her own home.

"The offence is so serious that appropriate punishment can only be achieved by the imposition of an immediate sentence of imprisonment."