A TEENAGER with learning difficulties was indecently assaulted by a man who took her back to his flat after meeting her at a bus stop.

Michael Cronshaw, aged 24, of Harcourt Close in Birchwood, appeared at Warrington Crown Court on Friday last week after being found guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse and two counts of indecent assault.

Simon Medland, prosecuting, said that the victim was aged 14 but had a mental age of 12.

Judge Philip Hughes told the court that the victim was a vulnerable child with a stammer and learning difficulties.

As he sentenced Cronshaw, he said: "You found her at a bus stop after she ran away from home. I am sure you knew she was under 16, as you said during the trial that you asked her how old she was, and asked her if she wanted to phone home.

"I accept that there is no suggestion you kept her in your flat against her will, but you did nothing to encourage her to go home or phone the police.

"You showed her kindness by offering her food, clothing and a bath, but I think that was so you could have sex with her and not for her best interests. When you took the girl to your flat, she was under your responsibility and you betrayed that by having sex with her."

Simon Berkson, defending, said that a pre-sentence report stated that at the time of the incident, Cronshaw was on a university course. He said: "He had had problems with bullying in the past and has suffered from depression and anxiety, so perhaps is flawed in his thinking about the crime. He has the support of his family, and his mum and sister attend court today."

Cronshaw was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, of which he will serve half, and his name will go on the sex offenders' register.

He was acquitted of rape at his trial at the beginning of November.