A MAN who had consensual sex with a ‘vulnerable’ schoolgirl has been locked up for two years.

Nicholas Alcock, now 35, was said to have taken advantage of the girl and told her not to tell anyone what had happened, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told Alcock’s victim would say he knew how old she was, although she accepted she might have initially told him she was older.

Alcock, of Gisburn Road, Barnoldswick, had admitted sexual activity with a child. He was banned from working with children and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years. He had no previous convictions.

Kathryn Johnson, prosecuting, said the girl was vulnerable at the time and, the crown would say, the defendant had taken advantage of her.

Miss Johnson said Alcock was arrested last February and at first made no comment to police. He then gave a prepared statement where he said one incident of sexual activity had taken place some years before.

Bob Elias, for Alcock, said what he did was wrong. The defendant should have known better.

Judge Jonathan Gibson said there was substantial mitigation on Alcock’s behalf, but added: “I’m afraid I cannot reduce it to a point where it can be suspended.”