Febuary 2004 Indecent assault on girl, 13 A 27-YEAR-OLD man who wrote saucy text messages to a schoolgirl and forced her into a kiss, has been placed on the sexual offenders register for five years. Robert Hall, of Melksham, grabbed the schoolgirl and kissed her on the lips while she was babysitting three young children on November 24 last year. The man also showed the youngster text messages on his phone reading ‘I love you’ and ‘I can’t wait until you are 16-years-old’, which is the legal age for sexual consent. The charge of indecent assault on a female under 14 years only came to light when the schoolgirl broke down in tears and told her teacher days after the incident. The court heard that Hall, who was living in a caravan in Melksham at the time, visited the house where the 13-year-old babysat. The prosecution said: “She was in the kitchen when Mr Hall followed her and placed both hands either side of her face and kissed her quickly on the lips as the children were coming in.” The prosecution also claimed Hall previously showed her lewd text messages and would hold her knee when sitting on the sofa. Defending, David Witt, said: “He has had a pretty rough ride from time to time and has difficulties in forming relationships.” Hall has now moved to Southampton and is living in a hostel. He pleaded guilty to indecent assault when he appeared at North and West Wiltshire Magistrates’ Court, Chippenham, on Thursday. He was given a three year community rehabilitation order and has been put on the sex offenders register for five years.