A JOBLESS alcoholic who raped an 11-year girl in a country lane has been jailed for seven years.

"Predatory" Justin Widdop, 27, of Byron Road, Colne, launched the "sickening" attack after befriending the girl in what police said was "every parent's worst nightmare".

The child's ordeal was only stopped when a member of the public who was out jogging with her dog disturbed Widdop.

Widdop had earlier been seen talking to the girl, who was dressed in her primary school uniform, at a Colne pub, Burnley Crown Court was told.

He led her through the town before stopping off in Coal Pit Lane, Colne, where he raped her.

It is not known when the two first met, but a witness said the girl looked comfortable with Widdop.

Police said Widdop was "trapped" after they obtained strong forensic evidence.

And yesterday at court Widdop pleaded guilty to rape and abduction.

After the case, Detective Sergeant Steve Holgate, of Nelson CID, said: "This is a sickening incident where an 11-year-old child was led away by a predatory adult and subjected to a serious sexual assault.

"This incident is every parent's worst nightmare. I want to reassure the residents of East Lancashire that this sort of offence is extremely rare."

The court heard how Widdop, who police said was an unemployed alcoholic, had been drunk on the day in June this year when he met the girl.

The pair were seen at the pub at 7pm by the landlord. He told police they had been playing pool and "looked comfortable" in each others' presence.

Michael Goldwater, prosecuting, said:" They left the pub at 7.15pm. There was no suggestion from anyone that he had forced her to leave with him.

"They were then spotted by passers by at 8.15pm who warned them not to head to the river banks as it was prone to flooding.

"They were then later seen at 9.15 by a witness who saw the defendant lying on the ground buttoning up his trousers and the girl lying on the ground with her back to the witness.

"When questioned by the woman what they were doing he said that the girl had been asking questions about biology so he had been explained about the birds and the bees.

"The girl then stood up and said to the witness 'You are going to call the police now aren't you?'.

"The witness then walked off but later saw the girl at the side of the road and took her home."

The court was told Widdop was drunk at the time of the rape and a bag that he was seen carrying which contained cider and a condom were later found by the police when they were searching the area.

John Maxwell, defending, said his client was appalled at what he had done.

He said: "He admits that he was drunk but realises that this is not a excuse and that it is his own fault that he drinks.

"He is aware that he will get a lengthy sentence and will use the time to reflect on what he has done and says he will never do anything like this again."

Judge Beverley Lunt told WIddop:"These offences are very serious. Nothing can be an excuse for your behaviour."

Det Sgt Holgate welcomed the judge's sentence and praised the passer-by.

He said: "Special praise must be given to the lady who witnessed this incident and stepped into prevent this child suffering any further at the hands of this dangerous sexual offender."

Widdop was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and banned from working with children.