A PENSIONER "groomed" a ten-year-old girl for sexual activity by showing her a pornographic video before indecently assaulting her.

Charles King, 67, attacked the youngster at his home while her parents were away on holiday.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he showed her the adult video before groping her.

Vigilantes have driven him out of his home since his attack on the youngster was made public.

However, despite being found guilty by a jury of one charge of indecent assault last month, he refuses to accept any responsibility.

The court heard how King has a continued interest towards pornography and a worrying attitude towards children.

Judge David Wood sentenced King to nine months behind bars yesterday.

He said: "Reports on you agree that you were grooming or preparing this child for sexual activity with you by showing her highly inappropriate sexually explicit videos."

King was cleared of one charge of making an indecent photograph of a child and a further charge of indecent assault.

King, of, General Havelock Road, Ford Estate, Sunderland, will be registered as a sex offender for ten years.

His wife, who gave evidence on his behalf during the trial, supported him from the public gallery.

Paul Cross, defending, said: "This was a single lapse by a 67-year-old man who clearly has some problems."