MAN WAS JAILED AFTER ABUSING AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A man was jailed after abusing an eight-year-old girl by touching her bottom during a supposed massage.Jason Pagan inflicted lasting psychological trauma on the young victim, who was visiting his home in Ashburton at the time of the incident three years ago.
The girl disclosed the abuse to her mother and a teacher, prompting police involvement.
Pagan denied any inappropriate touching, yet he was convicted at Exeter Crown Court in November.
Currently living on Babbacombe Downs Road in Torquay, Pagan was sentenced to a year and nine months in prison by Judge Peter Johnson after being found guilty of sexual assault.
He has been placed on the sex offenders’ register and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order aimed at restricting future contact with children.
The judge remarked: ‘You betrayed the child's trust.
The harm caused is long-lasting.
Although you've suffered losses, the girl has lost her innocence, which justifies an immediate custodial sentence.’ Prosecutor Miss Kelly Scrivener reported that Pagan's attack began with tickling but escalated when he placed his hand down the girl’s trousers to touch her bottom under the guise of giving a massage.
A victim impact statement from her family detailed ongoing issues like nightmares and bed-wetting, with effects still present three years on.
Miss Emily Pitts, defending, said Pagan describes himself as being ashamed, embarrassed and disgraced and has lost his job, home and relationship as a result of the case.
He has been living an isolated existence but has sought help from a support group and plans to get a job at a factory if his sentence is suspended.
