A "DEVOUT and strict" Muslim is in custody facing a jail term for molesting a Burnley schoolgirl.

Muhammed Shahid, 44, was found guilty of incitement to commit indecency with a child after a three day trial at Burnley Crown Court. He was remanded in custody until July 20 for a pre-sentence report by Judge Raymond Bennett, who told him prison was inevitable.

Shahid, at the time of the offence last November staying in Burnley, was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register. He was cleared of an allegation of indecent assault. Shahid had denied both charges. The jury had been told how the defendant, who was described as a very religious man who prayed five times a day, suggested he and the victim watch a pornographic video and invited her to commit a sex act on him.

Tim Brennand , prosecuting, said Shahid had piece by piece built up a sexual conversation and set the scene for sexual impropriety.

Richard Vardon, defending, asked for the defendant to be sentenced straight away, without a pre-sentence report.

He said he conceded the defendant must go to prison.

Mr Verdon said the offence was a one-off, not a course of conduct and there was no element of grooming.