A MAN who admitted having sex with a 14-year-old girl only after standing trial on the charge launched a volley of abuse from the dock as he was jailed.

In April a jury at Swindon Crown Court had failed to reach a verdict on an allegation that James Parker groomed the 14-year-old girl before sleeping with her.

But as a result of the evidence given at trial the police looked more closely at mobile phone messages between the pair.

And they uncovered texts which were so damning that Parker was left with no choice but to change his plea to admit what he had done.

After receiving the four-and-a-half year jail term he launched a foul mouthed tirade at the court before being led away.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, told the crown court that the youngster had to give evidence at a trial earlier this year after he denied the charge.

She said Parker admitted he had got her to send him naked images of herself from her mobile phone, but denied anything physical took place.

He also groomed her, she said, by repeatedly flattering her and telling her she was attractive.

And Miss Hingston told the court that Parker continued to chase after the girl despite being warned off on a number of occasions by her sister and a mutual friend.

There was no suggestion that the girl was not a willing participant but it came about due to 'the grooming that had happened'.

Parker, of George Selman Gardens, Twyford Close, admitted sexual activity with a child at New Year's 2014 into 2015 and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard that at the time he was on a community order for domestic violence offences.

Chris Oswold, defending, said thought it came at a very late stage his client, who is a hard working man, had pleaded guilty to what he had done.

He said that his memory of that time was 'patchy' and he had been going through a difficult time with his relationship.

Jailing him Judge Peter Blair QC said: "You pleaded not guilty to having sexual activity with a child when you were in your 30s and she was 14 years old.

"There is really very little mitigation I can find in this case to reduce what is a category 1A offence under the sentencing guidelines.

"This is not something you have had in your past offending history although there is some concerning behaviour in your relationships that has brought you before the courts before.

"The effect your behaviour will have on this young lady as she grows up and develops and the memory she will never be able to delete. And she is worried about her reputational damage, and that is understandable."

As well as jailing him he said he must register as a sex offender for life and abide by a sexual harm prevention order restricting his liberty.