A paedophile who set up a 'love nest' with an 11-year-old girl has been jailed for sexual assault and taking indecent pictures.

Brian Richardson, 65, videotaped himself sexually abusing the girl during a series of sessions in a caravan in Eastbourne over two years.

Richardson, of Amberstone View, Hailsham, was jailed for a total of seven years at Lewes Crown Court, having changed his plea of not guilty at an earlier hearing to guilty.

He was convicted of eight charges of sexual assault and five of taking indecent photographs.

Richardson began his sexual relationship with the girl in 1998 and the assaults continued until last year, when the girl was 13. His victim is now receiving counselling.

In an earlier hearing the court was shown video footage filmed by Richardson which showed him abusing the girl while providing a running commentary.

In one recording he described the caravan as a 'love nest' and told the youngster she was his wife and that they loved each other.

The court heard Richardson had a previous conviction from 1983 for sexual intercourse with a girl under 16.

Mark McDonald, defending, said: "He regrets the consequences of his actions. There was no violent coercion against the child. She was not threatened with violence or forced to do anything. No actual sexual intercourse took place."

Sentencing Richardson Judge Richard Hayward told him: "I am sure you have a sixth sense for young people who may be vulnerable. I am sure you groomed this girl for a period of time for the role you wanted her to play.

"You told her she was very special, she was not to tell anyone what was going on. She told police 'I thought it was okay so I let him'."

He said Richardson's regret had more to do with the court proceedings than any genuine feelings of remorse.

Judge Hayward added: "I am satisfied you present a real risk to any pre-pubescent girl that comes within your sphere. It is likely you will commit further offences against such girls.

"It's also quite clear you have no appreciation or recognition of the abuse in this relationship or the harm you have caused. You do not think you did anything wrong."

He ordered Richardson to serve seven years for each count of sexual assault and three years for each count of taking indecent photographs. He ordered the sentences to run concurrently.

He will also be listed on the sex offenders register.