A failed asylum seeker who sexually assaulted two women and walked away laughing is appealing his right to remain in Britain.

The 17-year-old east African, who groped the women three times on a night out in Maidstone, Kent, first grabbed one of them between the legs as she stood in the street.

When confronted he walked away sniggering, and CCTV then caught him grabbing her 23-year-old friend at about 1am while she was being sick - before returning to assault the first victim again.

Hearing: Maidstone Magistrates’ Court in Kent was told that the teenager had been ‘joking around’ with friends

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court that he needed a better of understanding how to treat women in England.

Rebecca Helliwell, defending, told the court on Wednesday that her client had been ‘joking around’ with friends and didn’t realise what he had done was wrong.

She said he came to England on his own several months ago and was being looked after by social services while studying English and maths.

She added his application for asylum had been rejected but he is appealing against the decision.

Town centre: The 17-year-old African groped the women three times on a night out in Maidstone (file picture)

You are now living in England and this kind of conduct towards females is totally unacceptable Lynda Jones, chairman of the bench

Lynda Jones, chairman of the bench, said: ‘You are now living in England and this kind of conduct towards females is totally unacceptable - and if you come before the court again you could be looking at prison.

‘We are today dealing with you by a six-month referral order. The order will address how you treat ladies in this country. It is not a joke and we view your conduct as gravely serious.’