A MAN who sexually assaulted a young child has been warned he is facing a lengthy jail term.

Martin Rowe repeatedly touched the seven-year-old girl during a three month period earlier this year.

And the 44-year-old also had a hoard of images of child abuse stored on his phone and computer.

Rowe, of St Joseph's Way, Lyneham, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault of a child, and six of making indecent images of children.

He carried out a more serious sexual assault on Saturday, July 9, along with a count of sexual touching on the same day.

The third sexual assault took place between the start of April and Friday, July 8, Swindon Crown Court was told.

Judge Tim Mousley QC adjourned the case to give the probation service time to compile a presentence report and for a psychiatric report to be compiled.

And he imposed a sexual harm prevention order which will restrict Rowe's liberty when he is released from custody and affect his use of the internet.

The judge also said he was considering imposing an extended sentence should he feel he presents a significant risk of serious harm in the future.

Remanding him in custody to Friday, January 13, he said: "You have pleaded guilty to very serious offences which will inevitably result in a prison sentence of some considerable length.

"I am not going to deal with you today because I need further information from psychiatrists.

"Among other things these experts will look at things as well as whether this is a case where an extended sentence is imposed.

"That is whether you are dangerous, whether there is a significant risk of you causing serious harm. You will be back for sentence January 13.

"You must provide your details so they go on the sex offenders' register today. I have made a sexual harm prevention order which will be indefinite."

An NSPCC spokesperson for South West England said: “Rowe acted in a calculated and clandestine manner to carry out these appalling acts for his own sexual gratification.

“His vulnerable victim was just seven years of age and the impact of his actions will be huge. She will need the appropriate support to recover.

“Children and young people suffer horrendously for the vile trade in abuse online. More needs to be done to cut this material off at the source, but even then there is no guarantee that these images will ever disappear from the web.

“Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free 24/7 on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111.”