THE decorated career of a Gulf War veteran is in ruins after he was jailed for enticing a 12-year-old girl into a game of strip blackjack.

RAF senior aircraftman Steven Oliver, 33, was left suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the 1991 conflict.

But the career of the Middlesbrough-born airman is now in ruins after he was jailed for 18 months and ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years.

Married Oliver was stationed at the RAF's elite training college at Cranwell, Lincolnshire, when he asked the girl back to his base.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that he immediately locked the door and began playing strip blackjack with the youngster, who ended the game naked.

Oliver then took off his clothes and began touching and kissing her, saying: "It helps me relax."

Stephen Lowne, prosecuting, said Oliver warned the girl not to tell anyone about the incident, but she immediately confided in her mother.

Oliver, of Sycamore Drive, Cranwell, admitted charges of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and indecent touching on February 26.

It emerged after the hearing yesterday that he would now face an RAF inquiry.

The court was told Oliver, who worked as a ground crew member, had enjoyed 15 years of distinguished service with the RAF before the incident.

Catarina Sjolin, in mitigation, said: "He served in the first Gulf War and suffered post-traumatic stress disorder linked to that.

"He has suffered for what he has done for his country."

Miss Sjolin said Oliver had earned the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, the First Gulf War Medal and decorations from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

She told the court he had also received medals in recognition of his long service and good conduct, but said his career was now at an end.

Judge John Machin told him he was entitled to credit for the service he has given, but said: "You must understand that what you did was appalling and demands an immediate sentence of imprisonment.