A FORMER pastor who sexually assaulted a teenage girl has been jailed for 18 months.
Preston Crown Court heard Jacob Ochieng, 54, of Station Road, South Shore, had caused the 16-year-old’s life to go into “a downward spiral” as a result of the attacks.
In the first instance, Ochieng had placed his hands on her thighs.
He touched her a second time before throwing a £5 note at her.
Ochieng had already admitted one charge of sexual assault and another charge of a serious sexual assault.
Paul Cummings, prosecuting, said the girl went to the police last year to tell them what had happened.
Jailing Ochieng, Judge Pamela Badley told him: “It is difficult to see how it could have had a worse effect upon this young girl.
“It is clear her life went into a downward spiral.
“Fortunately, she has been able to pick up the threads.
“I don’t consider it would be proper in the circumstances to suspend any sentence of custody”.
The defendant was a former pastor, but was not in that role when he committed the offences a number of years ago.
At the time he belonged to Lytham Christian Centre but the abuse occurred outside of his church life.
Julie Taylor, defending, said he had misread signs of friendship.
She said: “The defendant understands she would have been in shock.
“He shows great remorse.
“He has led a life where he has been very kind to others.
“He has lost everything.”
Ochieng was told he will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years and subject to a sexual offences prevention order for seven years.
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