Child sex offender jailed for seven and a half years

A man who molested a young girl in Carlisle has been jailed for seven and a half years.

Daniel Marinescu, 28, pushed his primary school age victim down to the floor and sexually assaulted her on the evening of April 6 at a city address.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how the girl went home and told her mother, who contacted police and the NSPCC. Marinescu initially claimed his contact with the girl was an "accident", but later admitted two sexual assault charges.

He was sentenced today, when a moving victim impact statement from the girl's mother - who attended court - was read by prosecutor Brendan Burke.

"She really worries about the ongoing effect on her daughter," said Mr Burke, who added that the girl's father now cried "many times" having previously not been prone to showing emotion.

"In essence she says that 'it has changed our lives'."

Marinescu, of no fixed abode, was said to regret his offending "wholeheartedly", and offered his apologies to his victim's family.

But, handing down the prison sentence, Judge Peter Davies told him: "What you did to her, you must know, has had a substantial impact on her."

Marinescu was told he will be considered for release from prison by a parole board after serving half the jail term. He must sign the sex offenders' register - and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order - indefinitely. He will also be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.