A FORMER soldier who repeatedly sexually abused a seven-year-old girl while taking pictures on his phone, has been jailed for eight years.

Martin Rowe preyed on the vulnerable youngster when she was staying with her dad, who has separated from her mum.

When he visited his pal's house the 44-year-old took the opportunity to target the youngster when he was left alone with her.

And he also took pictures as he molested the child, ordering her not to tell anyone what was going on as it was 'a secret'.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how in July last year Rowe had gone to his friend's house, staying overnight after a drinking session.

After he had gone the next day the youngster said 'Dad, can Marty not come round. I don't like it when Marty comes round'.

She told her dad she was not allowed to tell him why, as it was 'a secret', but then revealed Rowe had gone into her room and abused her.

Her dad, who was physically sick, phoned Rowe's partner and the girl repeated to her what she had said and the police were called.

The defendant was arrested and as well as speaking to the child and examining her bedclothes police also seized his computers.

As well as hundreds of indecent images of children downloaded from the internet, they also found pictures taken on his phone, some of which were of the victim.

A medical examination revealed damage where the girl had been indecently touched and the defendant's semen was found on the underwear she wore in bed.

Rowe, of St Joseph's Way, Lyneham, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault of a child, and six of making indecent images of children.

Tony Bignall, defending, said: "He is as horrified to look back at what is recorded in these papers as is anyone in this court room.

"He is determined to extract himself from the mire in which he has sunk. He recognises it will take time and he recognises that it will take work."

He said his father was killed when he was three-months-old and he served in the army for 24 years, seeing terrible things in Kosovo.

Jailing him Recorder Robert Pawson said: "You know very well what you have done and you must realise how serious it is.

"She was a vulnerable girl because she was away from her mother and in her father's own care. You endeavoured to get her to keep it a secret, and she did.

"Heaven knows what her mother must have felt when it all came out. The girl feared telling her father because she thought he would not believe her."

He also imposed a sexual harm prevention order which will restrict Rowe's liberty for 10 years and told him he must register as a sex offender for life.

An NSPCC spokesperson for South West England said: “Rowe is a sexual predator who carried out a horrendous attack on a young child. He acted with no regard for the effect his behaviour would have on his victim

“She showed great bravery in speaking out and it is thanks to her that Rowe is now behind bars where he cannot hurt any other children.

“Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free 24/7 on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111.”