A 61-year-old “sexual predator” who molested a teenage schoolgirl has been jailed for three years.
Benjamin Mitchell abused the child on a number of occasions, touching her over her clothing.
He was arrested after the victim told a teacher last year.
At Leicester Crown Court, Mitchell, of Brookside, Burbage, was also banned from working with children.
Judge Simon Hammond said Mitchell will have to enlist on a sex offender register for life.
Mitchell admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child and one of assault by penetration, involving touching, between 2005 and 2008, when the girl was under 16.
Gregor Purcell, prosecuting, said that in interview Mitchell had denied groping the girl.
In a victim impact statement read out in court, the girl said she had felt “dirty and upset” by Mitchell’s actions.
She said: “He was an adult and he must have known it was wrong.”
Ben Gow, defending, said Mitchell had no previous convictions. He said: “He presents as a sad and lonely individual who has lost everything in his life as a consequence of this.
“He had a heart attack in October and spent a significant period of time in hospital.”
Judge Hammond said the victim suffered from low self esteem because of the abuse.
He said: “It was wholly inappropriate touching. The courts have a duty to protect young children from sexual predators, and that’s what he was.”
