A West Sussex child abuser has been jailed for two years for molesting an eight-year-old girl.

The Old Bailey heard that Terry Phillips, who was known to the girl's family, went on funfair trips with her after his arrest.

Social workers looked on as Phillips, 39, of Angmering, near Littlehampton, enjoyed the rides and side-shows at a theme park.

He claimed in court that the sexual contact between him and the girl was at her instigation, but the jury rejected his account and convicted him of three charges of indecent assault.

Passing sentence, Recorder Stephen Kramer QC, said: "When she was aged between eight and 11 you engaged in conduct which can only be described as flagrant abuse of trust.

"You used your position to gratify yourself sexually. She was afraid of you and it took courage for her to come forward."

Phillips nodded in acknowledgement but showed no emotion as he was led from the dock.

Sonia Woodley QC, prosecuting, told how the attacks began in April 1994 when the girl was watching TV.

She said: "In the period of the next four years the defendant continued to sexually abuse her."

Miss Woodley said the assaults ended in April 1998 but the girl did not tell her teacher until two years later.

The police were called and Phillips was arrested.

Phillips, of Arundel Road, denied all the charges but was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault. He was cleared of one further charge of indecent assault and one of rape.

When the jury returned its verdicts it emerged that Phillips' contact with the victim continued after his arrest.

Mr Paul Dunkles QC, defending, said: "He has been allowed access to the girl while on bail and they even went to an amusement park together, shadowed by social services."

The judge also ordered Phillips be put on the sex offenders register for ten years.