A ‘CRUEL’ pervert who attempted to rape a girl and repeatedly sexually assaulted her has been jailed for 15 years.

Mark Nelson, from Old Hall, subjected his young victim to a catalogue of vile abuse over the course of more than two years.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday, October 14, that the 55-year-old demanded that the teenager send indecent images of herself, forced her to perform sex acts on him and assaulted her on a number of occasions.

He tried to rape her on one occasion, with his attack only halted when the 16-year-old kicked him away in self-defence.

She was left so scared that she ‘wanted to jump out of the window’ and burned the clothes she was wearing the next day.

Nelson, of Ross Close, used ‘cruel threats’ to ensure that she complied with his sick wishes and continued to deny having committed the offences.

In a statement read out to the court, the victim said: “I would like to be able to forget about this, but I don’t think I will.

“I just want it all to be over so I can put it behind me.”

Nelson, who appeared in court via video link to HMP Liverpool, admitted or was found guilty of a total of 17 sexual offences including attempted rape, sexual assault and possession of indecent images.

Defence barrister Nick Cockrell told the court: “Undoubtedly he will be serving a considerable part of the rest of his life in custody.”

Sentencing, Recorder Matthew Corbett Jones stated that the predator had inflicted ‘despicable cruelty’ on the teen.

He added: “She was still only 16 or 17 and she feared what you would do if she spoke out.

“What you did to this young lady will no doubt cast a shadow over the rest of her life.

“She was particularly vulnerable due to her personal circumstances.

“Cruel threats were used to ensure that she submitted to you.

“Not only are you without remorse but you continue to blame her, claiming that she pursued you for sex.

“The decision I’ve reached is that the least sentence I can impose is one of 15 years imprisonment.”

Nelson, who has previous convictions for benefit fraud and drink driving dating back to 1987 and 1997 respectively, was subjected to a lifelong notification requirement and subjected to a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim indefinitely.

Forfeiture and destruction of his mobile phone was also ordered.