A 33-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for two years for the “systematic” sexual abuse of a young girl over a period of ten months.

Mohammed Waqar, of Devonshire Street, Keighley, was convicted by a jury at Bradford Crown Court in October of eight offences, including seven allegations of sexual assault of a child under 13 and one count of causing his victim to watch a sexual act.

During the trial, the jury heard that Waqar, a married man with three children, pulled down the girl’s trousers and touched her indecently.

He also showed her pornography on his phone and kissed her on the lips.

The police were alerted when she told her mother in September last year.

Waqar’s barrister, Jeremy Hill Baker, handed in references from family members and employers speaking highly of his client and saying his behaviour was out of character.

The court heard that Waqar continued to deny his guilt, telling his probation officer he was innocent.

Mr Hill Baker said Waqar’s wife was very supportive of him and his relatives were shocked and upset.

He urged the court to consider the possibility of suspending the inevitable custodial sentence.

But the trial judge, Recorder Rachael Harrison, said Waqar had deliberately isolated the girl in order to sexually assault her.

“You systematically abused her over ten months,” Recorder Harrison said.

She told Waqar: “Only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.”

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years was put in place to safeguard young girls in the future and Waqar must sign on the sex offenders’ register.

After the case, an NSPCC spokesperson said: “Waqar’s young victim has shown incredible courage in coming forward and speaking out.

“She has been through a traumatic experience but her bravery has helped put him behind bars.

“Talking to a trusted adult about abuse is extremely difficult and the NSPCC visits schools in Bradford – and across the country – to help young people speak out and stay safe.

“Children can call Childline and speak to trained counsellors at any time of the day or night on 0800 1111. Adults with concerns about a child can call the NSPCC Helpline – in confidence – on 0808 8005000.”