A FORMER guest at a Ribble Valley bed and breakfast establishment has started a three-month jail term for molesting the owners' daughter.

Ian McDonald, 53, was convicted of two counts of indecent assault, after a trial last year, at Burnley Crown Court but the case was adjourned for sentence.

The jury had been told he touched her indecently after the child got into bed with him.

McDonald had told the girl's parents he had been a computer scientist.

Sentencing him, Judge Raymond Bennett said he had been in a position of trust and must have known his victim's parents would not approve.

He went on: "Girls of this age are entitled to be protected, even from themselves. Mature adults have a duty towards them and you failed your duty towards this little girl."

McDonald, of Gladstone Street, Harrogate, had denied the allegations.

McDonald's barrister, Bernadette Baxter, said he was now on the sex offenders register, which afforded protection to the public.

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