A FLINTSHIRE man found guilty of three counts of indecent assault against a minor has been jailed.

Michael Howard Eaton, 63, of Penley Road Buckley appeared for sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday, June 30.

He was previously found guilty of three offences via a jury trial.

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Simon Mintz, prosecuting, told the court how Eaton, who was in his 30s at the time, had befriended his victim.

The court was told that, in the early 90s, sexual activity took place between Eaton and the girl.

The victim read out a personal statement in court.

In it, she spoke about the 'shame, embarrassment and hurt' that the incidents have caused her over the past 30 years.

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She added that the events had 'consumed my life', as well as her family's.

The statement added: "It has taken me a long time to understand that what happened was not my fault."

Defending Eaton, Oliver King told the court how the incidents were 'out of character' and that he had 'led a law-abiding life' since 1992.

Testimonies supplied by the family on Eaton's behalf described him as a 'loving, caring and devoted family man'.

Those sentiments were echoed by former work colleagues of Eaton who was previously a skilled joiner and ran a unit in Mostyn.

Judge Nicola Saffman sentenced Eaton to four years, of which half will be served in prison and half on licence.

No Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed given the time that had elapsed since the offending took place.