Mohammed Esmati, who is from Afghanistan and gave his address as one in Widnes, denied committing the offence in Warrington town centre.
But he was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at Warrington Magistrates’ Court in January, and he appeared back before magistrates yesterday, Thursday, to be sentenced.
The court previously heard that the 28-year-old defendant was caught on CCTV groping the woman in front of the doors of Reef nightclub as she forcefully pushed him away.
She was out with friends in August last year at around 5.15am when Esmati started to hug her, which was unwanted.
He also attempted to kiss her before touching her chest under her clothing, all against her will.
A CCTV operator spotted the incident as it was happening and was able to alert Cheshire Police officers to attend the incident.
The victim also reported the sexual assault to bar staff, and police officers were able to get to the scene and arrest Esmati as he was trying to leave.
The defendant was taken to a police station and interviewed, where he gave a prepared statement in which he claimed that he acted with her consent regarding the hugging and kissing.
He denied touching her breasts or sexually assaulting her, and he made no comments after being shown the CCTV footage.
The victim attended the trial and gave evidence from behind a screen so as not to see the defendant.
She told the court that she had been drinking throughout the night and had gone outside the club for a cigarette when she came into contact with Esmati, whom she did not know beforehand.
“I just remember a pair of hands going down my top, and I freaked out,” she recalled.
When asked how she felt when the assault occurred, she said: “I didn’t really know what to do.
“I was in shock. I leaned over the barriers of the club and started hyperventilating. I was in shock. The guys on the doors called the police.”
Esmati was questioned in court about the assault and stated that one hand was holding his coat and the other did touch the top of her chest, but he disputed that he put his hands underneath her top.
Prosecutor Lynne Sayers said: “The victim was very clear she did not consent. She is absolutely clear that she was touched by the defendant. She was crying and distressed.
“He was shown the CCTV and specifically made no comment about the CCTV.”
During his sentencing hearing, magistrates concluded that the offending was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.
It was highlighted that the offence was committed against a vulnerable victim, on whom the incident has had a serious impact.
Esmati, whose address was given as Victoria Road in Widnes, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, to be served immediately.
He was also told that he must sign the sex offenders register for 10 years after his release from custody.
Following the hearing, PC Hannah Mooney, of Cheshire Police, said: “Despite denying his crime, not only did we have his actions captured on CCTV, but we also had an eagle-eyed CCTV operator picking up on the behaviour and alerting us to a crime in action.
“I would like to thank the operator for their professionalism and quick-thinking actions. Thanks to you, we have a sexual predator arrested, convicted, and now jailed.”
Esmati was also told that he must pay court costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £650 and a victim surcharge of £187.
