A SICK pervert has been jailed for carrying out a catalogue of sexual abuse on a young girl.

Victor Blakey assaulted the schoolgirl repeatedly over a number of months, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 38-year-old, formerly of Middlesbrough but now of Sleights, near Whitby, pleaded guilty to five counts of the sexual assault of a child at a hearing in April.

Following his sentencing, Cleveland Police said a third party contacted officers in October last year and Blakey was arrested the following day.

During initial questioning by detectives, Blakey refused to answer any questions and enquiries continued. He was charged in March this year and appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court early in April.

He eventually did plead guilty to assault by touching a child under 13 years.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Rebecca Lisle from Cleveland Police’s CAVA Team (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adult) said: “Although he finally pleaded guilty, Blakey’s initial refusal to admit what he had done prolonged both the investigation and the victim’s distress.

“We will always investigate allegations of offending against children - who are among the most vulnerable in our society - and I’m pleased Blakey will now spend a period of time in prison, as well as being subject to an SHPO. My thoughts remain with the young victim and their family as they continue to come to terms with what happened."

Judge Timothy Stead handed Blakey a four-year prison term on Friday (June 10) when he appeared in crown court.

CAVA Detective Chief Inspector Deb Fenny added: “My officers will always support victims and families throughout any investigation, and they’ll do all they can to bring before the courts anyone who preys on the young and the vulnerable.

“We have specially trained officers and staff who will advise, support and advocate for victims and who always place their wellbeing at the heart of enquiries and the criminal justice system.”

Blakey also received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) where he’ll be subject to strict conditions and restrictions.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054