A FORMER soldier from Bridgwater who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl and then forced her to relive her ordeal in court has been jailed for two years.

Andrew Norris, 47, of Hamp Street, appeared at Taunton Crown Court for sentencing on Friday after being found guilty following a trial in March of inciting a female under 16 to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault on a female.

Judge Graham Hume Jones told Norris, who served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands, that his actions would have had a 'serious affect' on his young victim.

Judge Hume Jones said: “The fact was that this girl was distressed and you took advantage of her.

“You didn't accept your responsibility and put her through the ordeal of giving evidence.

“What you have done is bound to have a serious affect on a child of this age.”

The court heard the two offences happened during one incident, in which Norris got the girl to touch him sexually. He then touched her in a sexual manner.

Patrick Mason, defending, said Norris had served in the British Army with the Scots Guards regiment from the age of 16.

Mr Mason told the court that the overseas conflicts had scarred his client.

After coming out of the Army the court was told Norris had worked hard until getting a back injury, and was a man of good character.

Norris was sentenced to two years in prison for each offence, to run concurrently. He was also issued with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and made to sign the Sex Offenders Register.