A MAN has been sentenced to eight and a half years in jail after being found guilty of sexual activity with a child.

Andrew Crowe, 47, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, January 3 after being found guilty of all eight counts against him in October 2022.

The counts were six of sexual activity with a child; one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The offences took place in Worcester when the girl was aged under 16 years old, between April 5, 2017, and January 13, 2019.

Crowe, of no fixed abode, had denied eight counts he faced during the trial at Worcester Crown Court in October.

After three hours of deliberation, the jury returned with the foreman announcing they had found him guilty on all eight counts, Crowe shaking his head throughout.

READ MORE: Jury hear for first time Andrew Crowe gave no explanation for absence from trial

During the trial, the court had heard the abuse began when the victim was just 13, Crowe trying to kiss her and touch her private parts, after hugging her.

The jury heard there had been "multiple incidents" of illegal sexual activity including Crowe kissing her and putting his tongue down her throat, touching her in a sexual manner, making the victim perform a sex act on him and forcing her to watch pornography. 

Crowe was arrested in January 2019 after the victim told the police.

Crowe denied all allegations when he was in the witness box. 

After the verdicts were given in October, Judge Cartwright warned him he faced a significant custodial sentence. 

Crowe was also told at that hearing he must immediately sign the sex offenders register.