A WOMAN who was sexually assaulted by a chef at a Renfrewshire pub has told how the terrifying ordeal has left her afraid to leave her home.

She spoke out after 54-year-old Martin Burke was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for pouncing on her at the Abbey Inn, in Barrhead Road, Paisley.

As reported by The Gazette, Burke initially denied sexually assaulting her but, after the victim gave evidence, he confessed to the crime.

The woman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, told The Gazette how she screamed at Burke to stop as he molested her.

“I don’t do anything any more, I just stay in my flat,” she said. “I don’t really talk to anyone and I don’t sleep much.

“What happened to me was terrifying. I was trying to leave but he just wouldn’t let me. I was screaming at him to stop.”

The woman, who knew Burke before the attack took place, also said he repeatedly sent her text messages, asking her to send him kisses, and also made inappropriate comments.

Burke was head chef at the Abbey Inn when he targeted his teenage victim last July 16.

He went on trial at Paisley Sheriff Court, facing a single charge under Section 3 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.

Burke denied sexually assaulting the woman by placing his hands under her clothing against her will, touching her breasts and pressing and rubbing his hand on top of her trousers.

He later pleaded guilty after prosecutors deleted claims he had rubbed his hand over her groin.

Defence solicitor Nadine Dormer told the court Burke, who has a previous conviction for threatening or abusive behaviour, had a good work ethic.

She said: “He has worked all his life and still holds down a position of employment.

“Your Lordship will clearly require [background] reports [to be prepared ahead of sentencing].”

Sheriff Tom McCartney told him: “With immediate effect, you will be subject to the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders’ Register.”

Burke, of Kirkintilloch, is set to learn his fate next month and could be jailed for up to a year for the offence.