James Wray, 43, was convicted in his absence of two charges of sexual assault against a child by the jury at Lincoln Crown Court.

Wray, formerly of Quadring Road, Donington, was later remanded in to custody to await his sentence hearing.

He was unanimously convicted of the offences, which took place between 2015 and 2018, during a three day trial before Christmas.

Siward James-Moore, prosecuting, told the hearing Wray’s victim, who can not be named for legal reasons, had made an impact statement which was provided to the sentencing judge.

Karen Walton, mitigating, told the court Wray had been abusing alcohol and had never previously shown any deviant behaviour towards children.

Miss Walton said Wray simply “panicked” on the final day of his trial, and had now spent over two months in prison.

“He is on a wing and has a job but he wants the chance to work with probation,” Miss Walton added.

“In his own words ‘he would dedicate himself to it’ as he wants the help,” Miss Walton added.

Passing sentence Judge James House KC told Wray: “These offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.”

Judge House said it was clear Wray’s victim had suffered “enormous pain and confusion.”

Wray was also sentenced to seven days imprisonment for the offence of failing to attend his trial which will run alongside his three year sentence.

Police said the charges were brought on June 10, 2021, following a thorough investigation by officers in the Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) unit.

The investigation was launched following an allegation by the victim who came forward in 2020.