A CHARD businessman has been jailed for five years for historic sex offences.

Peter Bishop, 54, of Pottery Road, Horton, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court today (Thursday, March 29) for three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 13.

Prosecutor Virginia Cornwall read an impact statement from the victim.

The statement read: "I told my parents about Bishop's abuse but they did not believe me. This strained my relationship with my parents, and his abuse has left me feeling alone, unimportant and unable to trust people.

"Since the abuse I do not believe other people's intentions and always think they have an ulterior motive."

Harry Ahuja, defending Bishop, said the defendant was a man of a good character who had no previous convictions, and the offences committed were historic.

"A number of people have testified to Mr Bishop's good character. He has run a business and was a retained firefighter for 30 years," Mr Ahuja said.

"He has lost his business and his family. His Turkish wife will have to travel back to Turkey with his two-year-old son."

A jury delivered their guilty verdict against Bishop on March 5.

Sentencing, Judge David Ticehurst told Bishop the effects of his actions had been 'catastrophic and devastating'.

"To all intents and purposes you lived a normal and decent life and you were well thought of in the community. You even set up a successful business but behind that was the dreadful secret of abuse," Judge Ticehurst said.

"Your victim said she feels ashamed but she has nothing to be ashamed of - but you have everything to be ashamed of.

"Everything you have lost is entirely the result of your own action and all because of your perverted sexual interest in a little girl."

A leading charity has condemned Bishop's actions, describing his repeated assaults on the young girl as 'shocking and deeply disturbing'.

An NSPCC spokesman said: "The impact of his appalling actions will have had untold consequences on his vulnerable victim.

“Engaging in sexual activity in any form with a child is an abhorrent crime and survivors require significant support to help them move forward with their lives.

“Anyone concerned about a child can call the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline for help on 0800 1111.”