A PAEDOPHILE who encouraged a young girl to retrieve Minstrels from his underpants and groomed her by promising presents has been jailed.


Michael Broughton, of Mardale Avenue, Longford, was caught out when the child, aged between seven and nine-years-old said she knew what Broughton was doing was wrong after seeing a programme on TV.


During sentencing, Judge Robert Warnock said he had shown little remorse after suggesting to probation the girl had instigated some of his approaches.


The 68-year-old initially pleaded not guilty to one charge of rape and three counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity but on the morning of the trial changed his plea.


Liverpool Crown Court heard on Wednesday his victim had been particularly distressed before the trial began and has been suffering from nightmares since.


Andrew Green, prosecuting, said: “The victim was told she would get into trouble if she told anyone.


“On occasions he would put Minstrel chocolates in his underpants and ask her to retrieve them and finally asked her to commit a sex act on him and in return promised to buy her favourite cuddly toy.


“He later went on the computer to buy it and told her to tell others it was because she had a good school report.”


After his arrest in August last year, police also found Broughton, who had no previous convictions, had been regularly texting the girl between January 2011 and March 2013.


John Banasko, defending, said: “This is a man of 68-years of age who is not going to have an easy ride in custody and doesn’t enjoy the best of health.


“It’s a tragedy for everyone.”


Broughton was sentenced to 11 years eight months behind bars.


During sentencing, Judge Warnock commended the child for her bravery during the case.


He added: “You let her believe she would be in trouble if she revealed what was happening.


“Unfortunately she has a clear recollection of what you did and little you know the consequences of your behaviour.


“You’re in denial with no significant remorse other than for your own predicament.


“You have robbed a little child of her childhood and caused her to be upset with nightmares that should be no concern to her.”