A FORMER Kidderminster man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl.

Christopher Noyle, 51, now living in Sand Farm Lane, Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, September 2.

A jury of 10 men and two women previously returned unanimous guilty verdicts on four charges during an appearance at Worcester Crown Court in July.

During the sentencing hearing, Noyle – who had entered a not guilty plea – was given five years each for two charges of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.

Judge Nicolas Cartwright, describing him as "manipulative", also handed Noyle six-and-a-half years each for two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

The judge said Noyle displayed a "gross breach of trust" for his own "sexual gratification".

Reading out a victim statement from the girl’s mother, prosecutor Jennifer Josephs said the girl – now aged seven – has had "a major trust issue with people" since the abuse began.

She said between 2013 and February this year, she would wet herself whenever Noyle’s name was mentioned.

As a result of the attack, her mother said "she has been displaying suicidal behaviour and expressing comments about her life".

Addressing Noyle, Judge Cartwright said: "When she said what you had done you said she was a liar and showed no remorse or regret. You show no remorse or regret now.

"Your actions have destroyed the family. She had become challenging, naughty and confrontational.

"She wet herself when anything made her think of you. She had major trust issues with people. She has worryingly expressed comments about her life and she thinks that everybody hates her.”

And he added: "You repeated your actions on several occasions. This is not just an isolated offence."

Amy Jacobs, defending, said Noyle recently signed off from work for stress and depression. She said he has no other convictions and is of "previous good character".

Noyle will serve the sentence concurrently.