A father-of-two given a police caution for pinching the bottom of a Channel 4 News reporter live on TV does not regret what he did.

The "goosing" incident took place on Monday last week, when Sue Turton was reporting from Osney Island, in Oxford, one of the areas of the city worst affected by flooding.

But, as Miss Turton was updating viewers on the latest situation, Rufus Burdett walked up behind her in Bridge Street and, as he was passing, reached out and grabbed her bottom. He then hurried off before the camera crew could stop him.

Video of the incident has found its way on to the Internet site YouTube, where it has already been viewed almost 50,000 times.

But Mr Burdett, 37 who lives in East Street with his wife and two children, said that although he would have no qualms apologising to Miss Turton, he did not regret his actions.

He said: "It wasn't a premeditated decision at all. It was a spontaneous event. I don't particularly regret anything I have done."

He admitted it probably was not the best decision he ever made but when asked if he thought it was acceptable to pinch women's bottoms, he said: "It all depends on the context it's done in."

He added: "In retrospect, it was an invasion of personal space and she was trying to do a job. There were exceptional circumstances that we were nearly under water.

"I'm quite shocked at the actual extent things have spiralled and I suppose there's a tiny bit of embarrassment. I think I can probably dine out on this one for a few months."

At the Waterman's Arms in East Street, landlord Henry Dean said: "This chap is a regular and he seems perfectly pleasant. But I know quite a few ladies who would not approve of what he did."

It is understood Miss Turton did not want Thames Valley Police to pursue Mr Burdett on sexual assault charges but did want them to talk to him.

She said: "I've no desire to punish this man through the courts, but I did wonder if I accepted such behaviour without complaint, what hope do women who are groped in public have of any recourse?

"I personally found the matter quite humiliating and somewhat disrespectful to the plight of those I was reporting about.

"Male reporters would never be treated to a public goosing. Should the women of my profession not expect the same respect?"

Police spokesman Kate Smith said: "A 37-year-old man has been cautioned for an offence under the Public Order Act after an incident in Bridge Street, Osney Island, on July 23."

The caution does not mean Mr Burdett has a criminal record, and he will not be fined.