A MINEHEAD man who sexually abused two young girls cried before he was jailed for eight years on Wednesday, December 21.

Andre Egington, 38, currently a serving prisoner, but originally from Penfield Road in Minehead, had sex with a 15-year-old and then months later went on to abuse a 12-year-old girl.

As he assaulted the younger girl, he told his crying victim: "Don’t tell. I could get in trouble. What goes on in this house, stays in this house."

Mark Worsley, prosecuting, said Egington had tried to cover his tracks by telling the girl’s father he had “accidentally” touched her, but broke down in tears and confessed what he had done when the girl told her school what had happened.

"When he was confronted by the girl’s father, he told him ’I didn’t mean it’," Mr Worsley said, adding that Egington had admitted his crimes when interviewed by police.

Patrick Mason, for Egington, said his client was Minehead “born and bred”, but had suffered a traumatic childhood of violence and abuse.

"This is a man who has been much scarred by his own childhood experiences," he said.

"He did what he did. He accepts that. He is very remorseful for his behaviour. As a result of this his life is shattered – there is simply nothing left of it. He is a very isolated person, finding life in prison very difficult.

"This is not a cynical predator. This is a man who is damaged by his own experiences and remorseful that he has inflicted them upon others."

Egington pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, one of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13, and one of a penetrative sexual assault on a child under the age of 13.

Judge David Ticehurst sentenced him to four years for sexual activity with a child and one year for sexual assault on a child under the age of 13, to run concurrently. He also sentenced him to four consecutive years for a penetrative assault on a child under the age of 13, and a further 12 months on licence.

Egington was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and told to pay a surcharge of £140.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free, 24/7, on 0808 800 5000. Meanwhile, children can call Childline on 0800 1111.