AN athletics coach abused his position to seduce an infatuated young runner.

Arthur Pomfrey, 43, took advantage of the talented 13-year-old as she strove to do everything she could to be the best in her sport.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Pomfrey had been a coach at Wallsend Harriers club in Newcastle for five years before he began his affair with the girl in 1997.

The court heard how the British Gas salesman took a shine to the youngster after his 15- year marriage came to an end.

Caroline Goodwin, prosecuting, told how the inappropriate behaviour began during Pomfrey's voluntary coaching at the harriers where the girl was a talented young athlete.

Pomfrey befriended her family and soon worked his way into the home she shared with her grandmother, where he enjoyed meals and even did DIY.

Matters came to light in December last year when a relative became suspicious about the pair's inappropriate relationship.

When she confronted the girl she broke down and confessed all. The family contacted the police, and Pomfrey resigned from his post as coach before his arrest.

Yesterday, Pomfrey, of Battle Hill, Wallsend, was jailed for 12 months after admitting unlawful sex.

Peter Schofield, defending, said: "This was a gross breach of trust, and nothing I can say can alter that fact."