A former soldier sexually abused a very young child more than 20 years ago before embarking on a career in the military which saw him serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gavin McNaughton, 35, was just a teenager when he subjected the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, to "persistent" sexual abuse while she was just a young girl.

Norwich Crown Court heard the abuse of the child, which occurred in the Dereham area between May 2002 and September 2005, concluded after McNaughton left the area to join the army.

Marc Brown, prosecuting, said there was "severe psychological harm" suffered by the victim who was aged between seven and 10 when the abuse took place.

McNaughton, from Wiltshire, appeared for sentence on Thursday (November 9) having been found guilty of indecent assault, sexual assault of a child under 13 and assault of a child under 13 by penetration following a trial in the summer.

He also previously admitted indecent assault against the same victim.

Jailing McNaughton for 28 months Judge Andrew Shaw said it had been "persistent sexual abuse of a very young child".

Eastern Daily Press: Judge Andrew ShawJudge Andrew Shaw (Image: Newsquest)He said he did not hesitate to conclude "she has suffered severe psychological harm" with the impact upon her having been "severe".

Before McNaughton was sentenced a statement from the victim described how it was difficult to "explain a lifetime of pain".

She has "mentally blocked" her childhood in a bid to try and "deal with the pain you caused me".

The victim said she vividly remembered "telling a doctor I wanted to die".

She said she would "always remember what you did to me" adding she "wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy".

Juliet Donovan, for McNaughton, said the defendant, who was an "extremely damaged young man" and had himself experienced sexual abuse but had shown "genuine remorse".

She said he was a child himself at the time but had an "exemplary military record" with tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan.

She said he was "not just an average soldier but has excelled in the service of his country".

McNaughton was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 10 years and also ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register, also for 10 years.