A 51-year-old Suffolk man who sexually assaulted a schoolgirl has been jailed for a total of five years.

Before Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday (March 28) was Jason Laverty, of Commercial Road, Lowestoft, who admitted two offences of sexual activity with a child.

Emma Nash, prosecuting, said the victim had been scared to report the assaults because she was frightened of what Laverty would do to her.

Edward Renvoize, for Laverty, said his client was ashamed and “deeply remorseful”.

In addition to being jailed Laverty was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.