A PAEDOPHILE who sexually abused a girl when she was only 14 has been jailed.

Peter Griffiths was sentenced to eight years in prison at Chester Crown Court on Monday, March 25.

The 52-year-old, of Albemarle Avenue in Hartford, was previously found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16 and one of inciting the same girl into sexual activity.

Griffiths had denied all charges but was convicted by a jury at Chester Crown Court on January 24 this year.

Northwich Guardian: Peter Griffiths had denied all the charges but was found guilty by a jury at Chester Crown CourtPeter Griffiths had denied all the charges but was found guilty by a jury at Chester Crown Court (Image: Cheshire Police)

The court heard how Griffiths repeatedly abused his victim over a 12-month period between 2019 and 2020.

The victim was just 14-years-old when the offending began.

His offending included inappropriately touching the teenager and inciting her into engaging in sexual activity with him.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Joanna Barclay said: “I would like to commend the victim for the bravery and courage they have shown in coming forward and talking about what happened to them.

“Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been though and while she will never be able to forget what happened to her, I hope that the fact that he is now behind bars will provide them with some closure.”

In addition to his prison sentence Griffiths was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Joanna Barclay said: “We treat all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to.

“They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20.