A pervert who molested a young girl and took an indecent photo of her has been jailed for five years.

Douglas Reader, 63, had denied seven charges of sexual assault and one of taking indecent photos of a child, committed in the Swanscombe area.

He was convicted in January of one offence of sexual assault and the photo charge.

The jury acquitted him of four charges of sexual assault and could not reach verdicts on two others.

The prosecution on Friday offered no further evidence against him on the “hung jury” charges.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Reader, of Ferndale Road, Enfield, north London, “snogged” the victim on a number of occasions.

Judge Michael Carroll said he considered one image Reader took of the girl was pornographic, despite the fact she was still had on underwear.

"I believe you became obsessed with this little girl. It developed into an unhealthy sexual interest in her" - Judge

Victim statements from the girl’s parents detailing how the family had been seriously affected by the abuse were read out in court.

“No words can truly describe the pain and anguish I have felt,” said her mother. “I have been left feeling we did not look after her enough.

“My trust in people has gone completely. I am suspicious of everyone.”

The mother said she worried about the impact Reader’s actions would have on her daughter. She praised her for being “exceptionally brave”.

She added: “For me, our nightmare is far from over.”

The father said in a statement his daughter was worried she had done something wrong. “Whatever the outcome there are no winners,” he added.

Chloe Gardner, defending, said Reader had tried his hardest all his life to do what was right.

“This behaviour is extremely out of character,” she said.

Judge Michael Carroll said there was “grooming behaviour” by Reader showing the victim a video.

“She had the courage to disclose to her father what you did to her,” he said. “There is nothing on your record for this kind of behaviour.

“I believe you became obsessed with this little girl. It developed into an unhealthy sexual interest in her.”

Reader’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register and he will be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

After sentencing, Detective Constable Anne-Marie McAteer said: "The child involved and her family showed great bravery in coming forward and giving evidence.

"This case reflects how seriously Kent Police takes reports of sexual abuse and will support victims throughout the entire judicial process."