A MAN convicted of sexually assaulting a boy in the 1980s was jailed today.

Paul Fitchett, 52, was himself still a teenager when he repeatedly molested the boy of six or seven.

Fitchett pleaded not guilty to two counts of gross indecency and one of indecent assault but was convicted after a trial at Swindon Crown Court on September 9.

He was jailed for 30 months by a judge at Bristol Crown Court, ordered to indefinately register as a sex offender and to pay £250 costs.

The jury was told that he molested the youngster in Swindon and Highworth in the two years up to February 1984.

Giles Nelson, prosecuting, told the trial that the victim, who is now in his 40s, had lived a troubled life in the intervening 30 years and reported two incidents of sexual abuse to police in February.

The first matter took place when he was between six-and-a-half and seven years old and Fitchett, who knew the boy's parents, was babysitting for him.

He said that he had been called upstairs where the defendant was carrying out a sex act on himself and got the lad to touch him afterwards.

About a year later they were both staying at a house in Highworth when Fitchett sneaked into his bed and touched the boy and also got him to touch him.

Mr Nelson said that the abuse had a 'profound affect' on the boy, who had problems at school and went to abuse alcohol and drugs.

Fitchett denied that the abuse had taken place but the jury found him guilty of both offences.

Judge Peter Blair QC adjourned the case so the probation service could compile pre-sentence reports, releasing Fitchett, now of Parsonage Road, Trowbridge, on bail until today, when he was sentenced.

An NSPCC spokesperson for South West England said: “Fitchett abused a position of trust to take advantage of a vulnerable young boy.

“His despicable behaviour has had a long-lasting impact on his victim who will need help to recover.

“The victim should be praised for his bravery in speaking out – it is thanks to him Fitchett has been brought to justice.

“We need to ensure that people who have been abused feel confident to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be believed and their voices heard.

“Our It’s Time campaign calls on government to ensure all abused children are given the necessary support to help overcome their ordeals.

“To sign the petition, go to: www.nspcc.org.uk/fighting-for-childhood/campaigns/its-time.”

The NSPCC’s helpline for adults who require support is available 24 /7 and for free on 0808 800 5000. Help for children and young people is available through ChildLine on 0800 1111.