A PAEDOPHILE who told the girl he molested he was "just trying to find her bellybutton" was accused by police of having no remorse.

John Dunne, 54, was jailed for three years and three months by a Swindon judge last week. He was found guilty by jurors last month of sexually assaulting a girl in 2011.

He admitted possession of indecent images of children, claiming he had looked at them in the wake of the Jimmy Saville scandal as he had himself been abused as a child in his native Ireland.

Welcoming the jail sentence, PC Jon Harwood said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the victim in this case who has lived with what Dunne has done to her for many years. I am really pleased that she found the courage to report the incident to police so we could fully investigate and put this man before the courts.

“This case shows that we will always investigate abuse of this nature regardless of how much time has passed since it happened.

“Dunne has shown no remorse for his actions and by pleading not guilty he forced his victim to have to relive her ordeal once again in a court room. I am pleased he has been given a custodial sentence.

“I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, regardless of how long ago it happened, to always report their concerns to police – you will be listened to and we will do all that we can to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Dunne was supposed to be caring for his daughter’s friend but instead assaulted her for his own sexual gratification.

“His actions will have had a devastating impact on the young girl involved and we commend her bravery and courage in speaking out about what happened to her.

“Not only has he been held to account for what he did as a result, but it highlights that no matter how long ago the abuse took place, victims will always be listened to.”

Swindon jurors last month heard Dunne was like an uncle to his young victim, who was aged around 11-years-old.