Locations
Derrell Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4
Description
A 70-year-old sex offender has been jailed for assaulting a child.
Geoffrey Abson, of Derrell Road, Paignton, touched the seven-year-old between the legs on two occasions, Exeter Crown Court was told.
He initially denied doing anything wrong but later admitted he needed help.
Abson is a convicted sex offender with a previous conviction for a similar offence back in 1989.
The defendant said he was 'disgusted and ashamed of his actions'.
Judge David Evans said: "I have to sentence you for not one but two assaults on a girl aged under 13."
He said the defendant held 'distorted sexual attitudes towards children'. Abson was jailed for 16 months.
"Immediate prison is the only appropriate sentence. This sort of offending is too serious for a suspended sentence or any other kind of sentence."
Abson was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which bans him from contacting girls under 16.