A 33-year-old man who indecently exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl and pestered her with sexually explicit text messages has been jailed for two- and-a-half years.

John Kendal, of Douglas Towers, Bowling, Bradford, developed “a very unhealthy and indecent interest” in the girl, complimenting her on her bottom and making an indecent phone call overheard by her family.

Kendal pleaded guilty to two offences of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child.

He was convicted by a jury at Bradford Crown Court of one similar offence and an allegation of sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor David McGonigal told the court yesterday that Kendal’s victim now hated him. She said she felt ugly and insecure and did not want to mix with boys.

Kendal’s solicitor advocate, Ashok Khullar, said his client had been sole carer for his son. Jailing him would have a significant effect on the boy.

Kendal had no previous convictions for sexual offences.

Judge Roger Thomas QC, the Recorder of Bradford, said Kendal had a very unhealthy attitude to the girl.

He indecently exposed himself in her bedroom while visiting the house.

He pestered her with inappropriate text messages and the final straw came when he made indecent suggestions in a phone call listened in on by members of her family. Judge Thomas said Kendal only admitted that allegation because the jury could have been played the call in court. He had denied two of the offences, forcing the girl to give evidence.

“These are serious sexual offences on a young girl,” Judge Thomas said.

She had been considerably affected by the abuse and it could have a long term effect. Kendal must sign on the sex offenders’ register for life. He is barred from ever contacting his victim and he must not work with children or invite them unsupervised into his home.