AN illegal immigrant who sexually attacked a "vulnerable" Burnley schoolgirl has been jailed for 18 months.

Father of two Nasir Javaid, now 37, took the 15-year-old child back to his flat in the town and tried to have sex with her in 2003. Afterwards he went on the run for almost two years and had since done virtually all he could to avoid the consequences of his actions, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Javaid, said to pose a high risk of reoffending, failed to understand the results of his behaviour and was unable to accept responsibility.

The defendant, who faces possible deportation back to Pakistan, had earlier admitted indecent assault. He had been committed to the court for sentence in June, 2003.

Sentencing, Judge Barbara Watson told the court Javaid had disappeared for 20 months after absconding while on bail and when he was found he had tried to set aside his guilty plea.

The case had now taken 30 months to reach sentence.

The judge went on: "At the time of this offence, you were a man of 35, wise in the ways of the world and able to survive, as you demonstrated, on your wits."

Judge Watson said the victim was young and vulnerable and the law was designed to protect such youngsters from the attentions of mature, sophisticated men such as him.

The judge said a probation officer had assessed the defendant as a high risk of reoffending and his pre-sentence report made depressing reading.

But, she continued, she accepted, after reading a letter Javaid had sent her, with the passing of time and the fact he had been recently remanded in custody, he had had time to reflect in a rather mature way what he did almost three years ago.

The defendant, of no fixed address, was also given an extended licence period of 12 months.

He was put on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years and was banned from working with children.

Judge Watson did not make an order recommending deportation.

She told the court she was satisfied she should leave it to the Home Office as to whether or not the defendant should remain in this country.

David Traynor, defending, said apart from the indecent assault, Javaid only had one other conviction, for drink driving.

The defendant came to this country to provide for his wife and two children back home and when able had sent them money.

He arrived three years ago and while here had been supported by family.

Mr Traynor said Javaid wanted to move on with his life and pick up the pieces.