A MAN who previously avoided jail for possessing hundreds of indecent images of underage children will serve a seven-and-a-half year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a young girl.

Phillip Kendall, of Sandy Lane, Orford, was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday for four counts of sexual assault including touching.

The horrific crimes took place between 2015 and 2016 while the girl was under the age of 13.

In December 2016, Kendall was found to have more than 600 indecent images when police raided his home in Hood Manor.

A search of the hard drive uncovered three category A indecent videos of girls as young as eight.

In total, 611 category B images of girls as young as 10 were also found on the computer.

The 38-year-old avoided a six month prison sentence for the images and instead received a three-year community order with a supervision requirement.

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In July 2017 Liverpool Crown Court heard that Kendall's offending has led to the breakdown of his marriage, but that he was 'slowly beginning to turn his life around' having secured a new job and home.

However, the paedophile was hauled before the courts again in May of this year after being charged with sexually assaulting a child.

DC Chris Orme said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to praise the victim for her bravery.

“The impact of crimes like this on victims should not be underestimated.

"I truly hope that today’s result helps her in some way come to terms with her ordeal.”

On Monday, December 10 Kendall was jailed for seven-and-a-half years as well as one year on licence.

He must be listed on the sex offenders' register for life and was also ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.