A MAN indecently assaulted a boy he befriended through a mutual interest in angling, a court heard.

Trevor Maule, a former special police constable, was yesterday jailed for two-and-a-half years after Durham Crown Court heard how he "groomed" the 14-year-old boy before committing acts of indecency over a period of more than three months.

Maule, 58, of Park View, South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, denied three charges of indecent assault and three of indecency with a boy, but was convicted by a jury after a three-day trial.

Jailing Maule, Judge Richard Lowden told him: "I'm aware of your good work for society as a special constable, but you have a dark private side to your life and you must answer for that now.

"Your victim has been left damaged and disturbed and I don't know when he will recover."

Earlier, the court heard that Maule bought angling equipment as a gift for the boy, who would visit his home, occasionally drinking alcohol.

Tim Gittins, prosecuting, said the indecent acts took place on a weekly, or more frequent basis, after Maule began showing him pornographic videos.

When child protection officers raised their concerns with the boy's parents, they were told the boy was on a fishing holiday in Scotland with Maule, where further indecent acts took place.

Maule was placed on the sex offenders' register for life.