A MAN who allowed youngsters to socialise at his Blackburn home has been jailed for a series of sex offences.

Preston Crown Court heard that following his arrest, Ian Roberts tried to send a letter to a witness, hoping to persuade him to change his story.

The 26 year old, of Leamington Road, was given a total of three years and nine months prison.

Roberts appeared for sentence for indecent assault, common assault and attempted interference with a witness.

In addition, magistrates had committed him for sentence for two charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16.

Judge Edward Slinger heard that Roberts had befriended young people and his house became an attraction for younger people who on occasions went there to socialise.

Mr Richard Haworth, prosecuting, said that in October last year the defendant committed offences on girls aged 13 and 14

In one instance, a girl made it clear she wanted nothing to do with the defendant's sexual comments or innuendos. But he managed to pull her to the floor and indecently assault her.

The other girl was also pulled to the floor, banging her head in the process. Roberts lifted her to carry her out of his home and she kicked and screamed for him to get off.

The girls later phoned police in a distressed state. Following arrest and while on remand, Roberts wrote a letter intended for a witness in the case, which was intercepted. He had wanted that person to change his statement and say he had made a terrible mistake.

It included the line "Take care wherever you may be as I'll be nearby and also will have you in my sights".

The committal for sentence involved the defendant having sex with a separate girl and who was under age.

Mr Richard Hunt, defending, said Roberts had not been allowing young people into his home for some evil intent.

"He didn't set out to target any one of the people who he has been involved with. Circumstances presented themselves, he took the opportunity. He is not a predator".

"He wants help. He and his family have been wanting help since 1994. Unfortunately, it has not been there".

The defendant had been sentenced for two offences of indecent assault in 1994. He had never received a custodial sentence before and had spent six months on remand.

In passing sentence, the judge said the offences were serious and that only sentences of immediate custody were appropriate.

Roberts will be put on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.