Babysitter jailed for girl's rape

Symonds was cleared of sexual assaults against a second girl

A 45-year-old male babysitter who forced a young girl to watch pornographic videos before he abused her has been jailed for 11 years.

Chef Brian Symons, of St Mary's Street, Plymouth, repeatedly forced the six-year-old to take part in sex acts with him after befriending her parents.

The abuse went on for months and only came to light when the girl was older.

Symons denied the abuse but was found guilty of two rapes and five indecent assaults at Plymouth Crown Court.

He was cleared of sexual assaults against a second girl.

Judge Paul Darlow said: "These charges represent samples in most cases of your sexual behaviour to a young girl who was aged between six and eight.

"They occurred over a significant period of time measured in months rather than years.

"They happened in breach of trust when you were left to care for the girl by her father."

Mr Jonathan Barnes, prosecuting, earlier told a jury that Symons made the girl watch a pornographic video before the assaults.

Mr Anthony Donne, defending, said the assaults had not caused serious physical injury.