A pensioner has been jailed for three years for a series of sex attacks on a young girl.

David Bell, 72, targeted the youngster more than a decade ago when she was aged between ten and 14.

Bell, of Westmoreland Rise, Peterlee, County Durham, denied two charges of indecent assault and three of indecency with a child, but was found guilty by a jury at Durham Crown Court last month.

Defence barrister Richard Bennett said Bell still denies the attacks took place after he was brought before Newcastle Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced.

Mr Bennett told the court how Bell's disabled wife, aged 71, has had to move from their family home after media attention surrounding the case.

Mr Bennett said: "Whilst in reasonable health for his age, he is not in brilliant health."

Judge Richard Lowden told Bell: "You did not use any physical force upon your victim nor subject her to direct threats, but those were serious attacks upon her.

"They were unpleasant, they were disturbing. They affected her badly then and they affected her badly in later years."