A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed for more than eight years for sexually assaulting a young girl in Shoebury.

Owen Jay was sent down after admitting sexual assault of a child under 13, and another serious sexual offence involving the same girl.

On Christmas Eve last year, the girl reported the assault to her parents, describing it in detail. 

The girl was left “sad and angry” afterwards, the court was told.

Following the girl’s report, Jay, of Clova Road, Forest Gate, was arrested and interviewed by police.

He initially denied the allegations, claiming it was not him who had sexually assaulted the child.

However, when charged with the offences, he admitted both at the first instance.

In mitigation the court heard he was “disgusted” by his actions.

But Judge Samantha Leigh said that this was “of his own making”.

Sentencing Jay, she said: “She [the victim] told her parents things they should never have to hear.

“At first when interviewed by police you said you denied responsibility and it was not you.”

Jay was sentenced to eight years and six months in jail for both his crimes. He will serve an extra year on licence when he is released.