A Hertfordshire paedophile continued to sexually abuse a schoolgirl after she reported him to the police for the first time, a court has heard.

Christopher James, from Ware, Hertfordshire, was jailed for seven years at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday where the judge condemned his “controlling approach” and lack of remorse after the attacks.

The sentencing follows a trial where a jury found James, 48, guilty of eight counts of sexual assault against a child which involved incidents that took place between 2013 and 2015.

The victim explained that she had since been treated for depression and had become “emotional and insecure” following James’ abuse.

She has also experienced “recurring dreams” of the attacker and has required medication to allow her to sleep.

The victim added that it had impacted “every part of my life” and in following relationships she allowed herself to be “walked over and cheated on” because that’s what she thought she deserved.

The court heard that James’ attacks continued even after the victim had spoken to police in 2014.