A PERVERT who sexually molested a little girl was today beginning an eight-year jail sentence - as a judge stressed the term should be a warning to others.

Trevor Ashworth, 40, had subjected the child to humiliating and degrading abuse - but did not see her as a victim. He was in denial over what he had done, showed no remorse and had little regard and empathy for the youngster, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Sentencing, Judge Barbara Watson told the defendant the courts had a duty to protect young victims of sex attacks and also to deter others tempted to take advantage of children. She said Ashworth, who struck when the girl was about 11 and then later when she was about 13, assumed it was safe to assault her again after she did not complain about his behaviour the first time.

The judge said the second offence represented a "marked escalation," in his indecent conduct towards the child.

Judge Watson told the court each offence was grave and Ashworth's behaviour had had a very serious and adverse impact on the girl.

The judge went on: "For a long time she was unable to speak out about what you had done to her.

"She was compelled because of your not guilty pleas to undergo the ordeal of a court appearance and cross examination."

Judge Watson added the defendant was unable to see the child as a victim and looked upon her as almost an equal to himself as an adult man.

She said there was "much work " which needed to be done with Ashworth, who was assessed as being at medium to low risk of re-offending, if there was to be a change in his attitude.

Ashworth, of Hurtley Street, Burnley, had been convicted by a jury of indecent assault and indecency with a child. He had denied the offences.

The defendant was jailed for five years and given a three year extended licence period.

He was also disqualified from working with children and must be on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.

The court had been told Ashworth touched the girl, who cannot be named for legal reaons, indecently. He committed a sex act on her about two years later.

The defendant's wife, who is now divorcing him, had told how it had been her worst nightmare when she learned of the allegations against her husband.

Nick Kennedy, defending, said Ashworth had no previous convictions for any sex offences or violence.

He added the offences were not a sustained course of sexual misconduct over a period of time.