A FACTORY worker who let youngsters watch videos at his home mounted sex attacks on a 14-year-old girl, a court heard.

John Gorman groped the victim on a sofa after locking the door and tried to remove her trousers.

On other occasions, the 57-year-old - who had a low IQ - pinned the girl on a mattress and put his hand up her top, said Vanessa Meachin, prosecuting.

Jailing Gorman, of Eastfield Close, Fernhill Heath, for six months, Judge Andrew Geddes said the courts had to protect the young by deterring adults who abused them.

He conceded that Gorman's awareness of his behaviour was not as great as someone without an intellectual disability.

Gorman, who lived alone after his parents died, gave youngsters cigarettes and let them watch horror and war movies, said Miss Meachin.

The victim called at his flat many times last year and in the first incident he moved close to her on a sofa.

After fondling her, he asked her to make love but she refused. Eventually, she found his door keys and he let her out.

Miss Meachin said the same girl called again with some friends, ending up on a mattress on the lounge floor.

Gorman sat astride her and, egged on by the others, he touched her until she bit him.

On October 3, the defendant chased the girl before touching her breasts.

Arrested two months later, he told police his behaviour was just "devilment" and he did not know he was breaking the law. He admitted three counts of indecent assault.

William Rickarby, defending, said he regarded his actions as horseplay. The girl had returned to the flat again and again and was not terrified by her experiences.

He said Gorman, who had no previous convictions, now fed horses after work until 10pm and children no longer called.

Mr Rickarby added: "He has worked hard and made the best of his life. Prison will undermine all he has achieved. There is a serious risk he will lose his job and his home."

But Judge Geddes said Gorman knew he was doing wrong and had abused a position of trust.

He ordered the defendant to register as a sex offender for the next seven years. He will be also be supervised by the probation service for three years after his release from jail.