A PERVERT sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl in a park after completing a shift of community service at the venue, a court heard.

Maksood Ismail, 52, stayed behind after spotting the child playing at Wilson's playing fields, off Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Ismail, of Windermere Close, Blackburn, gave the girl money, hugged her, tried to kiss her and told a "sob story" about his life, claiming he had no friends, the court was told.

The victim, who feared he might have a knife and would hurt her, managed to escape and told her family after bursting into tears back at home.

Ismail was arrested, denied being in contact with the girl, but was charged after his DNA was found on her clothing.

Ismail, who had previous convictions for harassment, admitted sexual assault on a child aged under 13.

He was jailed for three months and made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order which bans him from parks, school premises, play areas and country parks.

Sara Dodd, prosecuting, said Ismail had been convicted of banned driving and was with a group carrying out community service. But he stayed behind when the others were taken home.

The child went into a wooded area and was sitting on a log when the defendant started talking to her and made her shake his hand.

Ismail sat next to the girl, told her his life story and said he had no friends.

He asked if she smoked, put his hand in his pocket and the child thought he was going to get out a sword, dagger or gun, Miss Dodd said.

She said the defendant then gave the girl two £1 coins.

The girl said she wanted to get away, but the defendant gently pulled her back and close to him. Ismail told the victim he wanted to be her "permanent friend", hugged her, pulled her close and tried to kiss her.

The prosecutor said the defendant told the victim he was 23.

When she disbelieved him, Miss Dodd said he told her if she came back the following week he would gave her a present. He kept asking what she wanted and eventually she told him Lego to get away.

Miss Dodd said the girl started to walk away, but Ismail started to walk with her and continued attempts at conversation.

She ran the short distance home and her father noticed that she looked as if she was about to cry. She told her parents what had happened and police were contacted.

The prosecutor said since the offence the victim was scared going out in her own, would not go into the woods alone and her school work was affected.