A 57-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for two years for sexually abusing a little girl more than ten years ago.

Philip Holmes walked into Keighley Police Station and confessed his guilt to indecently touching the child when she was aged around five years old, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Holmes, of otherwise exemplary character, had worked in "a caring profession" for many years, the court was told.

His barrister Andrew Haslam said the abuse played on his mind and he thought that owning up to it might ensure his victim sought help.

The court heard that Holmes, formerly of an address in Keighley but now of Battenhall Hall Road, Worcester, told the police he sexually abused the girl on two separate occasions by touching her indecently.

Prosecutor Sarah-Kate McIntyre said the child told her mother but did not want anyone else to know at the time.

Years later, she overdosed and self-harmed because of what Holmes did to her.

Holmes pleaded guilty to two offences of sexually assaulting a child under 13 more than a decade ago.

Mr Haslam said he was deeply ashamed and full of regret at what he had done to the girl.

Holmes' marriage was now over and he felt a deep sense of isolation.

Holmes must sign on the sex offenders register for ten years and the judge made an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order banning him from contacting his victim.