Teenager grabbed schoolgirl, 11, in kidnap bid

Mark Adams had consumed eight pints of lager when he targeted the 11-year-old victim in Brownhills.

The 19-year-old pulled and grabbed at the youngster who managed to wriggle out of her jacket and run off after a brief struggle.

Adams, of Shannon Drive, Brownhills, had left the Shoulder of Mutton pub when he came across the child as she walked home.

She had crossed over the A452 Chester Road and cut between two blocks of low-rise flats, at around 7.45pm on July 20 this year.

Adams, who she had earlier spotted walking towards the Hussey pub, suddenly appeared behind her and said hello.

He followed her and put his arm around the 11-year-old, before pulling and grabbing at her.

Terrified, the child tried to break free but Adams was proving too strong.

However, she managed to get free by wriggling out of her jacket and running off home and her parents then called police.

A major investigation was launched by detectives from the public protection unit at West Midlands Police.

Officers released CCTV footage to track down the attacker and an appeal was made in the Express & Star.

The force described the man they wanted as white, average build and around 5ft 2in tall.

Adams contacted police less than 24 hours later to identify himself as the man in the images. When questioned he tried to blame his actions on being drunk and claimed he couldn't remember the attack.

He was charged with attempted child abduction.

This week he pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court and will now be sentenced on January 10.

Detective Inspector Annie O'Grady, who led the investigation, said: "This was a harrowing ordeal for the young girl and she continues to come to terms with what happened that night.

"I welcome Adams' guilty plea as it will save his young victim the trauma of having to give evidence in court."