A paedophile will spend three years and four months behind bars after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14.

Paul Abbott, of The Pastures in Hemel Hempstead, was convicted for historical crimes that took place between March 1 and June 1 1992.

After a trial at St Albans Crown Court, the 52-year-old was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault against a girl under the age of 14.

He was found not guilty on a fourth charge with the same offence.

Abbott was sentenced on Thursday, November 14, at St Albans Crown Court.

As well as 40 months in prison, Abbott will remain on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life and has received a restraining order against his victim.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it.

"We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. The constabulary also has a number of officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBT+ community."

To contact Herts Sexual Assault Referral Clinic, visit hertssarc.org or call 0330 223 0099.