A 78-year-old man from Warrington sexually assaulted a girl of eight over a 12-month-period, a court was told.
Terry Blackmore, of no fixed address in the Warrington area was jailed for five years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to taking indecent photographs, possession of indecent photographs, four counts of assault of a girl under 13 by touching, and assault of a girl under 13 by touching under clothing.
After the hearing, Detective Constable Heidi Ryder said: “I would like to commend the victim for the bravery and courage she has shown in coming forward and talking about what happened to her.
“Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through, and I hope that the fact that Blackmore is now behind bars will provide her with some closure.”
In addition to his prison sentence Blackmore was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
DC Ryder added: “We treat all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.
“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”
To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20.
