A MARRIED father who had sex with a schoolgirl he invited into his family home has been jailed for four years.

Scheming ex-soldier Conner Ferguson convinced the young teenager they were a couple and that they had a future together.

The 26-year-old would pick her up from school and give her food and money, Teesside Crown Court heard.

His actions only came to light when a trusted friend of the teenager alerted police.

The girl initially denied anything was going on when questioned – but later broke down and confessed to her mother.

Ferguson, of Kinross Avenue, Middlesbrough, admitted 11 charges of sexual activity with a child when he appeared in court.

The father-of-two was told by a judge he must sign on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life.

It was claimed his crimes may not have been committed if he had not suffered a series of personal tragedies.

His lawyer, John Nixon, said there had been bereavements of children and mental health problems.

After Ferguson learned of the police involvement, he texted the teenager: "Run away, don't message back."

By the time officers reached her home, she had wiped the contents of her mobile phone and the former squaddie had done the same.

Mr Nixon said: "This is a tragic story, resulting in him losing what was a cherished career in the Armed Forces.

"It seems it was no coincidence that these events occurred shortly after his discharge from the Army.

"It seems he and (the girl) formed together an inappropriate emotional attachment and it developed as the indictment shows."

In a statement, the victim said: "I felt I was in a relationship with him, I was in love with him. I had planned my future.

"Now, I feel heartbroken and feel like he has broken all his promises and broken my trust. I don't really have any plans now."

Judge Tony Briggs told Ferguson, of previous good character: "It is no surprise she feels betrayed and deceived.

"I am persuaded that your judgement was to a certain extent warped and if you had been in a totally level emotional basis, this may well not have happened and you may have realised the stupidity of your actions and the consequences of them."