A MAN who sexually abused and manipulated a schoolgirl was today starting a 15 month jail term.

Christopher McCavana, 35, held his head in his hands as Burnley Crown Court heard how he had lost his home, his family and work through his actions -- and had destroyed both his and the victim's lives.

Sentencing him, Judge Raymond Bennett said he had brought disaster upon himself and the girl.

He added the defendant was no doubt respectable and people who had heard what he did would be totally surprised.

He went on: "One dreads to think of how much of this is going on that we never hear of."

McCavana, of Kings Avenue, Hall Carr, Rawtenstall, admitted four counts of indecent assault last November and December and had been committed for sentence by the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale magistrates.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said the defendant fondled and kissed the victim, pushed her on to a bed, removed her clothes and indecently assaulted her, despite her protests.

About a week later, he repeated his behaviour.

The offences were committed over about four weeks and McCavana manipulated the girl.

When she was interviewed by police, the schoolgirl told them the defendant had said he would end up in prison if she reported what had gone on and he made her feel as if it was her fault.

Mr Lindley said, last December, McCavana was arrested, made full confessions, but was unable to give any explanation about his behaviour. Gavin McBride, defending, said McCavana's actions had destroyed his life and potentially wrecked the victim's.

He was sickened by what he had done and knew whatever apologies he offered to the court would not be enough.

He had pleaded guilty, did not want the complainant to be thought a liar and knew it was his fault.

He said McCavana's behaviour was horseplay which crossed the line. He did not know why, but it did.

It had not been going on for a long time.

Mr McBride said the defendant had been having counselling and while that provided no answers or excuses, his demons were being released as a victim in the past.

The defendant was under no illusions that custody was perhaps the most likely outcome of the case. He knew that was what he deserved.

The barrister added that McCavana had lost his family and his work through his actions.