A paedophile who gave money and gifts to a child before inappropriately touching her has been put behind bars for nine years.

Colin Routledge of Laburnum Gardens in Gateshead was handed the nine-year sentence at Newcastle Crown Court on August 25, charged with four counts of sexual assault.

The 78-year-old used a fake social media profile to contact his victim, giving her money and gifts as he continued his predatory behaviour.

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Routledge denied the offences but will now remain on the sex offenders’ register for life and also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.

The Northern Echo: 78-year-old Colin Routledge.

The victim, who came forward years after the abuse, has now been praised by officers for her bravery as the force urges any victims of sexual assault to come forward.

Following Routledge’s sentencing, PC Kevin Thompson of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost I would like to praise the victim and their family for their immense bravery in taking that first step to come forward and report these harrowing crimes.

“Their actions have been vital in helping us to secure a conviction against this offender.

“We hope now that the outcome provides them with some degree of closure.”

PC Thompson added: “We hope this case serves as a reminder to all victims of sexual assault that we will always listen and that you will be believed.

“It also reinforces our commitment as a Force to bringing those who carry out these vile attacks to justice.

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“No-one under any circumstances whatsoever should be subjected to attacks such as the ones suffered by the victim.

“If you have been a victim of such an attack, I would urge you to come forward to police.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse is asked to contact police on 101 or report via the "Tell Us Something" page of the Northumbria Police website.