Food driver's sex bid with girl, 12

Burnley Crown Court heard Shams Uddin, a married man with children and a prominent member of the Bangladeshi community, claimed he believed the girl was 16.

The offence took place in the back of the defendant's car in an isolated country lane after kissing and cuddling.

Uddin, of Clive Street, Burnley, admitted attempted unlawful sexual intercourse.

Sentencing, Judge Raymond Bennett told Uddin he had read many letters from people speaking of his help in the community.

They said they could not believe he had got himself into such trouble.

The judge said the defendant had taken a risk with the victim, who came from a troubled background.

Judge Bennett told Uddin: "The law is to protect young girls from themselves and men must understand that that is the case."

Uddin, who had originally been charged with rape, was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years.

Ian Metcalfe, prosecuting, told the court the 12-year-old had been ignoring her mother, spending time away from home and made friends with a 16-year-old girl.

Through the girl, she met Uddin, who was a delivery driver for the Shagor Takeaway in Colne Road, Burnley.

The 12-year-old and the defendant met several times, there was sexual activity between them and, on May Day Bank Holiday last year, Uddin parked his car in an isolated country lane near Burnley.

He and the girl got in the back and he tried to have sex with her. Uddin was unsuccessful, drove back to Burnley and dropped the girl off.

No complaint was made to police until May 19 and Uddin was arrested.

Ian Whitehurst, defending, said the girl was of mature appearence and had been verbally abusive and attacked pupils at school. She was sexually experienced before the offence and only after it did Uddin learn she was 12.

Mr Whitehurst said Uddin had let down both himself and his family.

He was concerned about how his behaviour would affect his family in the local community, particularly his daughters when they came to be married.