Michael Slater, 37, was sentenced to five years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a vulnerable young victim.

Slater pleaded guilty to one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and was found guilty of a second count after a trial. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described the abuse as "like having one of her arms chopped off" and said she feels disgusted with herself.

In a victim personal statement read out in court, the victim said: "I hope one day I get over the disgust I have in myself." She also detailed how the abuse and its aftermath have impacted some of her relationships.

Prosecutor Catherine Donnelly told the court that Slater has 12 previous convictions for offences including dishonesty, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly, but no prior convictions for sexual offences.

Defense attorney Alejandra Tascon argued that Slater suffered from ADHD, emotionally unstable personality disorder and sexual dysfunction issues. She added that he had been drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis at the time of the offences and "should have known better."

Judge Nicholas Rowland sentenced Slater to five years in prison. He must register as a sex offender for life and was given a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and a five-year restraining order not to contact his victim.