An inventor who planned to break the world land speed record in a solar-powered car has been jailed for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.

Nelson Kruschandl, who was also going to sail around the world, was sentenced to seven years.

Kruschandl, 52, who lived at The Old Steam House, a former Victorian electricity station at Lime Park, Herstmonceux, near Hailsham, carried out the attacks from 2003 to 2005.

The girl, who is now 15 and cannot be named for legal reasons, said she went to Kruschandl's home to use his recording studio.

She told the jury: "To start with I used to just sing. Then he asked me to go to his room for a cuddle. He laid next to me and touched me and I did not know what to do.

"I did not know that what he was doing was wrong."

She added: "He said it was all right and to relax and chill out. He knew my age.

"He would say it was a secret between us and if I told mum she would not understand.

"He said I was special and that he loved me."

She said more intimate touching took place on later visits.

Kruschandl sent the girl a Valentine's Day card two years running.

The second card read: "Valentine, you take my breath away, feel free to do the same with my clothes." The card showed cartoon characters without clothes.

The attacks came to light after the victim told friends who informed teachers at their school in June 2006.

Kruschandl denied four charges of sexual assault and indecent assault but was found guilty after a trial at Hove Crown Court in February.

He was jailed for seven years when he appeared at Brighton Crown Court for sentence.

He was also made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order for ten years and was banned from working with children under 16.

Judge Cedric Joseph said Kruschandl had abused his position of trust with the girl and her mother.

Kruschandl yesterday challenged part of the order which would have prevented him publishing details of his court experience in the future either in a book or on the internet.

Michael Harrison, defending, said the order breached Kruschandl's right to freedom of expression.

Judge Joseph varied the order to allow publication on condition it did not lead directly or indirectly to Kruschandl's victim or family being identified.