JAILED: Man, 53, groomed schoolgirl for sex

Nigel Blackshaw, from Brownhills, took advantage of the teenager to have sex with her dozens of times, Stafford Crown Court heard.

His defence solicitor Mr Anthony Bell told the court: "The lady in question was very much a willing participant and to some extent the driving force."

However, Judge Mark Eades replied: "When you have a child and someone in their 50s, that's an extremely difficult submission to make."

The illicit relationship was uncovered only when the girl's parents were alerted by an acquaintance who became suspicious of their activity.

Blackshaw, aged 53, formerly of Howdles Lane, admitted five charges of sexual activity with a child.

Judge Eades told him: "Sex with a child breaches one of the taboos in society. You were aware this girl was attracted to you.

"Your duty was to make it plain to her you had no sexual interest in her."

He added: "Your life is now ruined and you have expressed significant remorse."

Along with the jail sentence, Blackshaw was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was banned from working with children.

Mr Neil Ahuja, prosecuting, said after being alerted, the girl's parents took the girl's mobile phone.

On it, they found a number of text messages and photos that had been exchanged between her and the defendant.

Their relationship had started with a kiss, the court heard.

Sometimes Blackshaw would pick the girl up from school and on one occasion he took her to the seaside, the court heard.

He told her she must not tell anyone because he would get in to trouble.

Mr Ahuja said there had been a degree of planning and grooming of the girl, items being bought for her and money spent on her.

Mr Bell said Blackshaw had worked hard all his life to provide for his family.

He said: "There is no risk of him behaving like this in the future."