A LAY preacher from Leigh was today starting a three-year jail term for a series of sex offences against children.

Francis Fletcher, aged 66, admitted six charges of indecent assault on two sisters between 1989 and 1993.

He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for the rest of his life.

Geoff Whelan, prosecuting, told Bolton Crown Court that the girls were taken to Fletcher's home in Twist Lane, Leigh.

The court heard that Fletcher sat one of the girls, then aged eight, on his knee and sexually assaulted her while his wife was in the same room. On another occasion he touched the breasts of the older sister, who was then aged 10, telling her "I can't do that any more, you're getting older", before trying to kiss her fully on the lips.

The offences came to light at the end of 2002. Fletcher was arrested and initially denied any offence, but admitted he could be "over-affectionate".

Sean Brogan, defending, said that Fletcher's decision to admit his guilt was a "brave" one, and that he was a hard working member of his community where he was still highly thought of as a lay preacher.

Mr Brogan said that his client had been "naive", but that he had meant no harm.

Sentencing Fletcher to three-and-a-half years in prison, Judge Derwin Hope said that the offences were "a serious breach of trust".

"At least your victims were spared the ordeal of a court case but I also note that you have shown no remorse for your crimes, nor have you attempted to offer any apology to your victims or their family."

The judge said that Fletcher had caused a high level of harm and that the courts would deal severely with that kind of offence.

After he is released Fletcher will be under supervision and was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Speaking after the sentencing, one of his victims, now in her early 20s, said: "I'm not happy about this, but I am relieved.

"I don't think I will ever get over it, because what he did still follows me everywhere. At least now I can start to rebuild my life."