A MAN who repeatedly sexually assaulted a female child in North Wales, and was found with more than 100 indecent images on his computer, has been jailed.

Alexander MacDonald, 38, of Market Place, Brampton, Cumbria, was today (October 18) sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court (sitting at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court).

MacDonald, who worked as a carer, previously admitted eight counts of sexual assault on a female, and three charges of making indecent photographs of a child.

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Prosecuting, Richard Edwards told the court that MacDonald would often supply the child with alcohol before asking her to take her clothes off or touching her sexually.

His initial behaviour was described as “subtle”, with MacDonald at times “trying to suggest there was an innocent reason for his touching her”.

He also made comments to the girl such as about her breasts, or asking her for a “snog”.

Following disclosures being made to the police, a total of 115 indecent images of children were found on MacDonald’s computer, meanwhile.

Of these, 45 were “category A” (the most serious), 25 were category B, and 45 category C, while they predominantly depicted females aged between four and 13.

In a statement, MacDonald’s victim said: “Speaking out about my assault was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. As much as people tell me I’m brave and strong for speaking out, I don’t feel it.

“I didn’t have the energy to do anything. I was still a child and I was still developing, yet my body was being sexualised.

“I can’t remember the last time I looked at my own reflection and was happy with what I saw. Wherever I go, whatever I do, I can feel his hands on my body.”

Defending MacDonald, who had no previous convictions or cautions, Siôn ap Mihangel asked the court to acknowledge his client’s “timely” guilty pleas.

Mr ap Mihangel said MacDonald “doesn’t seek to make any excuses”, and “doesn’t seek to minimise what happened”.

MacDonald has an “overwhelming feeling of remorse” for his behaviour, for which he is “ashamed”, Mr ap Mihangel added.

Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts told MacDonald’s victim, who attended today’s sentencing: “It’s OK not to be strong and brave all the time, of course, and you’ll have to take all the time you need to come to terms with this.

“I’m sure you will get the love and support you need from your family, friends and professionals in trying to move on, insofar as anyone can move on from this sort of thing.

“What happened to you is absolutely awful. I can’t turn back the clock, and whatever prison sentence I impose, you may feel it is never enough.

“Today is the end of a chapter for you, but there are a series of chapters in your book yet to be written. I just wish you every success and happiness going forward.”

To MacDonald, Judge Petts said: “Your behaviour has caused her very considerable emotional and psychological consequences.

“Your devious and persistent behaviour shows you are a man of high risk to children in the future.”

A lifelong restraining order was put in place to protect MacDonald’s victim, while he was also issued with a 25-year sexual harm prevention order.

He is now banned from working with children or vulnerable adults, and his computer was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.