A CONVICTED sex offender who sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel hot tub is starting an extended prison sentence of more than eight years.

Andrew Dawson, 45, knew his latest victim had mental health problems when he invited her to spend a couple of days with him, York Crown Court heard.

James Gelsthorpe, prosecuting, said that after drinking and using drugs, Dawson sexually assaulted the woman both when they were alone and as they used a hot tub in a hotel spa, despite her objections.

As they parted, he told her he had had a “really good weekend”.

Dawson had previously been convicted of attempting to rape a second woman and of indecently assaulting two other women, one at a railway station, and one on a train.

A probation officer assessed Dawson as “dangerous” and in his report wrote that there was a “high risk” he would cause serious harm to the public and commit another sexual offence after he is released.

Dawson, of North Marine Road, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to three sexual assaults. He was given an extended prison sentence of three years and four months in jail plus five years extended prison licence.

For Dawson, Andy Lamb QC said he accepted responsibility for what he had done. His previous sex crimes had been some years ago and the latest offences were not of the most serious type.

Dawson is on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life following his earlier convictions. He was barred from contacting his latest victim for life under a sexual harm prevention order.

Mr Gelsthorpe said when arrested, Dawson claimed the woman’s account was due to her illness.