A PERVERTED pensioner who molested two little girls was today starting a five year jail term, at the age of 67.

Lonely widower Derek Brown, said to have kept pornographic books at his home, had turned to drink after the death of his wife and was isolated from his family, but could give no real explanation for his behaviour, a court heard.

Brown, who kept sweets and lollies at his house, claimed his youngest victim, who was just seven years old, had been 'asking for it.' He had been living at the bail hostel in Lydia Street, Accrington, while awaiting his appearance in court.

He was caught out after he abused both victims on the same day and a three year old child who had been with them ran home giggling and told her mother what had happened.

Sentencing Brown at Burnley Crown Court, Judge Anthony Proctor said his behaviour had been most distasteful and regrettable and he had not thought about the effects it would have on his victims.

He said the defendant had 'cultivated' the younger victim and it must have been very distressing for the complainants' mothers to have to listen to the case.

Brown, then of Holcombe Drive, Burnley and more recently living at the bail hostel at Lydia Street, Accrington, admitted three counts of indecent assault and three of indecency with a child, between January and July this year.

Rowena Goode, prosecuting, said the younger victim would frequently visit the defendant's house and play cards and he said she was like a grandaughter to him.

Brown carried out a frequent pattern of sexual practices with the seven year old.

The child saw Brown perform sex acts on himself when he was naked from the waist down and he would then get the little girl to touch and kiss him indecently.

Paul Hague, defending, said Brown had brought up his family and had always been in work as a carpenter and joiner.

He was widowed six years ago and was isolated from his family. The defendant started drinking heavily, although he had never taken a lot of alcohol in the past.

It may be a combination of drink and loneliness contributed to the offences, although Brown could give no real explanation.