A PAEDOPHILE from Bridgwater has been jailed for six years after sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13.

Fergus Godfrey, 63, of Warwick Avenue, Bridgwater, appeared before Taunton Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, October 13, after being found guilty by a jury following a trial.

Sentencing, Judge David Ticehurst told Godfrey he could give him no credit for a guilty plea, and said that by insisting on his innocence Godfrey put the 12-year-old victim through the ordeal of giving evidence in court.

"The harm you have caused is incalculable," Judge Ticehurst told Godfrey. "You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself," Judge Ticehurst said.

"You were in a position of trust, and you severely abused that trust. Your victim says she has resorted to self-harming because of your actions."

In mitigation, Rebecca Bradberry said how Godfrey was the registered carer for his wife who suffers from fibromyalgia.

But Judge Ticehurst said that any harm that befell Mrs Godfrey as a result of Fergus Godfrey going to jail was entirely Fergus Godfrey's fault.

Judge Ticehurst said he hoped Godfrey could overcome 'whatever perverted sexual instincts' led him to behave in the way he did, and that he would he would have to live with what he had done for the rest of his life.

Because he was given a six year sentence and 12 months extended license, Godfrey will not be released after he has completed half of his sentence. He will not be allowed out until the parole board agrees that it is safe for him to do so or his full sentence expires.