A GRANDFATHER of two has received a suspended prison sentence for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl some 15 years ago.

John Marsh, of Grove Gardens, Southbourne Road, Bournemouth, appeared at court on Friday (April 13) afternoon.

Marsh, aged 64, initially denied any wrong doing, but then entered a guilty plea during the second day of his trial last year.

The court heard the sexual assault, which included a brief instance of inappropriate touching, took place between March 2003 and March 2004.

The victim, who was nine at the time, initially kept the assault to herself - only deciding to report it years later when she found out Marsh had grandchildren around the same age she had been when she was assaulted.

Prosecuting, Tim Bradbury told Bournemouth Crown Court: "The victim didn't realise it was anything wrong at the time, and she didn't tell her mum. As she became a teenager she began to feel upset about it."

Mr Bradbury explained the victim took to drinking and taking drugs from the age of thirteen in a bid to cope. She also suffered nightmares, periods of rage and sadness, the court was told.

She finally decided go to the authorities in 2017, after realising the defendant had grandchildren.

"She felt she had a duty to report the matter," Mr Bradbury said. "She says she has found it difficult to talk to family and friends and romantic partners. She has feelings of shame and confusion as if it was her fault."

Defending, Miss Anne Brown told the court Marsh had admitted the offence. She said her client felt "shameful about what happened" and that he "accepted his actions must have been sexual, but he cannot explain it himself."

The court heard glowing character references from two of Marsh's close friends, who described him as a "friendly, open and affectionate" man.

There was also no suggestion Marsh, of previous good character, had ever repeated his behaviour to anyone in the years after the sex assault.

Sentencing him to two years in prison, suspended for two years, Judge Brian Forster QC, said: "It is very important Mr Marsh understands what he did, even on a momentary basis, has had significant impact on his victim."

The judge, who ordered Marsh to sign the sexual offenders register, also commended the victim for "having the strength to come forward and make this complaint."