A preacher who groomed a schoolgirl for sexual abuse by taking advantage of her Christian beliefs was jailed for eight years yesterday.

Born Again Christian Robin Brown, 51, told the teenager she would get closer to God if she engaged in acts with him. He denied eight charges of indecent assault and five of rape but was found guilty by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court of three of indecent assaults and three rapes.

Brown, of Shields Place, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, was jailed for eight years. He will be registered as a sex offender for life.

Judge Richard Lowden said: "A particularly distressing aspect was your assertion she could get closer to God with further intimacy with you."