THE PARENTS of a child who was groomed and sexually assaulted by a Bramley man has hit out at the court for letting him "get away with it".

Shane Illsley was given a suspended prison sentence last week after he admitted twice sexually assaulting the girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

It will mean he will not immediately go to prison, with the family of the victim saying they feel "let down" by the court.

The 24-year-old told the girl that she was "perfect and beautiful", prosecutor Andy Houston told Winchester Crown Court on Friday.

"There was a grooming process," he continued. "Various suggestive messages were exchanged."

He then sexually abused her twice, and persisted when she told him to stop. On the second occasion, the court heard, the victim did not ask him to stop as she knew that he would not listen.

The girl was left feeling "ashamed and embarrassed" and felt "sick to her stomach" after the incident.

Illsley, of Walsh Road, Bramley, was given a ten-month prison sentence, but Judge Jane Miller QC suspended it for two years.

Now, the girl's parents have hit out at that sentence.

"We were disappointed," her mother told The Gazette. "We were pre-warned by the police that it may only be community service, although we wasn't happy about it.

"We are thinking of appealing it, we have contacted witness care support team.

"She thinks he got away with it. I tried to explain to her that he hasn't."

Her father added: "She doesn't understand, because he is walking free. He has got a get out of jail free card.

"We are let down. You see other people stealing stuff that get two years in prison.

"He has groomed her and everything else. It was a full on deceitful situation.

"They have just not taken it seriously."

Both parents said that police had been supportive and took the allegations seriously, and implemented bail condition's before Illsley's conviction to reassure the family, but did raise concerns that this sentence could discourage other victims of sexual abuse from coming forward.

Her mother added: "He still hasn't said he is sorry. If he still doesn't recognised what is wrong he is quite capable of doing it again."

The father said: "The government got 200 hours of free work from him. They think they got away with it."

Illsley's suspended sentence also came with 200 hours of unpaid work.

An NSPCC spokesperson also reacted to the news, saying it is "crucial" that victims of child sexual abuse know they will be listened to.

A spokesperson said: “The impact of child sexual abuse can last a lifetime and it’s important that the girl targeted by Illsley receives all the appropriate support.

“For those who have endured sexual abuse as a child, speaking out is often extremely challenging but it’s crucial that they know they will be listened to when they do, and that appropriate action will be taken.

“Childline is available 24/7 on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk for any child or young person who has a worry or concern.

"For adults who are concerned for a child’s welfare or want to report historic child sexual abuse, the NSPCC helpline is available at help@nspcc.org.uk or on 0808 800 5000.”