A man is spending Christmas in jail for sexual offences against an underage girl.

Lee Bass, aged 40, had denied 14 counts but was found guilty following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court last month.

A jury found him guilty of indecent assault, indecency with a child, six counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

The victim was under 15-years-old at the time of the offences which were committed in Takeley and Bishops Stortford between 2001 and 2012.

Bass, of Lordscroft Lane, Haverhill, appeared at court today (December 21) for sentencing.

He was jailed for a total of six years and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

He must also sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Investigating officer Dc Stacie Collins, of the Brentwood child abuse investigation team, said: “Bass denied the offences and put the victim through the distressing ordeal of giving evidence in court.

“She has shown great bravery throughout the investigation and trial, and I hope the sentence handed down today will give her some closure.”