Convicted of sexual activity with a child under 16.

Jonathan Ward, 22, admitted to sexual activity with a child under 16 and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

Ward, of no fixed abode, had denied the allegation against him throughout an investigation by South Yorkshire Police. He went on trial for the offence at Sheffield Crown Court, but on the second day of the hearing changed his plea and admitted that he was guilty of sexual activity with a child.

Ward had known his victim for over a year before he took the opportunity to exploit her, leaving her petrified. The victim confided in a family member, which led to a police investigation. DNA recovered from the victim's clothes was matched to Ward.

He was sentenced on Tuesday, February 6, to 10 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge and placed on the sex offenders' register for ten years. A restraining order was issued, preventing him from contacting the victim for ten years.

Victims of sexual offences are granted anonymity for life.