A MAN who caused “suffering and misery” after repeatedly sexually assaulting a young girl when he was 13-years-old has been jailed for three years.

Graham Crowther, 29, was found guilty last month of four indecent assaults which took place 15 years ago.

The victim, from Salisbury, had come forward after Crowther was jailed in 2014 for possessing indecent images of children on his phone. She then saw Crowther’s mother at a funeral and the accusations resurfaced.

The victim was in court to face her abuser and sobbed as an impact statement was read out which told of how her childhood had been “miserable” because of the attacks.

It has left her as an “overprotective” mum who fears her children going away. She says she has never allowed her children to go on any sleepovers.

The court also heard how she had wanted to “throw-up” when Crowther’s name was mentioned during the trial last month.

Crowther was aged 13 when the first assault happened in Bournemouth.

The victim described how she would wake up to find his hands down her pyjamas but was too young at the time to fully understand what was happening. He would later attack her on three more separate occasions although he was cleared of rape.

Eventually the victim told her mother what had been going on.

Her father confronted Crowther but it was not reported to the police until the victim made the complaint last summer.

Salisbury Crown Court heard how Crowther, Suffolk Road, Bournemouth, was “intellectually challenged” and had been “immature”.

In jailing him for three years Judge Richard Parkes admitted his young age at the time of the attacks had reduced the sentence.

But he said that the abuse had a “lasting impact”.

An NSPCC spokesman in South West England said: “Crowther’s appalling attacks made his young victim’s childhood miserable and they have clearly had a lasting impact into her adult life.

“She should be praised for her bravery in speaking out. At last, Crowther has been punished for his hugely damaging actions.

“It is absolutely right that victims of child sexual abuse can seek justice and support no matter how much time has passed since their ordeal.

“The NSPCC’s helpline for adults who require support is available 24 /7 and for free on 0808 800 5000. Help for children and young people is available through ChildLine on 0800 1111.”