A MAN who had sex with an underage girl then bragged about it at work has been jailed for five years.

Andrew Purvis told his boss about his encounters with the teenager, which led to the police being called.

The 37-year-old churchgoer admitted what he had done when he was arrested.

And when his case came to Newcastle Crown Court he pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual activity with a child, meaning his victim did not have to give evidence.

Defence barrister Shaun Routledge said the divorced dad had never been in trouble with the police before.

Mr Routledge added: "If the clock could be turned back I am sure he would do so.

"This whole part of his life is part of his life he is going to have to come to terms with and hopefully move on."

Judge Beatrice Bolton jailed Purvis, of Guildford Street, Sunderland, for five years.

The judge said: ""You exploited her and I am satisfied you manipulated her towards that exploitation.

"This was devious manipulation."

Purvis must register as a sex offender for life and has been banned from ever working with children.