A 55-year-old Lawrence man pleaded no contest to an aggravated battery charge Wednesday for an incident last summer in which he was accused of inappropriately touching a 14-year-old girl while in a car.

Edward E. Morrison in August was charged with indecent liberties with a child. Attorneys said under the reduced charge he was expected to qualify for probation based on his criminal record.

Chief assistant district attorney Amy McGowan said the girl and her mother approved of the plea agreement.

Prosecutors and Lawrence police accused Morrison of touching the girl through her clothing during the incident that occurred between June 1 and Aug. 11 as they were driving in the 1900 block of Harper Street. Morrison will also be required to undergo an evaluation for alcohol.

District Judge Michael Malone is scheduled to sentence Morrison Feb. 17.