A Bexley paedophile who used his position as a stables worker to engage in sexual activity with a 14-year-old-girl has been jailed for 15 months.

Patrick Michael Bradfield, 31, of Vicarage Road, targeted his victim at the stables where he worked.

The 14-year-old girl received suggestive text messages from Bradfield over the course of 2014.

Bradfield was fully aware of the girl’s age and continued to groom the victim, convincing her that he was in love with her.

In October of that year, their relationship became sexual and Bradfield ensured it would remain secret by asking her to conspire with her friends to cover for her while she skipped school so they could spend time together.

Their relationship was uncovered when someone else using the stables became concerned about the pair's behaviour. Police were informed and Bradfield was arrested.

Bradfield tried to deny the affair, stating the relationship was not sexual, but it became clear the extent of their relationship once his phone was analysed by the police.

It showed how he had pursued the girl over a period of time, using sexually motivated messages.

He pleaded guilty in court and was jailed for 15 months at Inner London Crown Court today, February 16.

Detective Constable Lee Ellis, from the sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse Command, led the investigation.

She said: “Bradfield used his position to develop a relationship with an impressionable, vulnerable child and pursue her with the intent of a predatory sex offender.

“It was only on the first day of his trial that Bradfield finally accepted responsibility for his actions, having denied the facts from the point of his arrest.

“I would like to praise the strength of the victim and her family who have supported this investigation throughout - I can only hope they can now move forward as a result of Bradfield's conviction.

“Bradfield is a serious risk to young females and it cannot be discounted that he may have abused other young girls. Anyone who believes they have been a victim of Bradfield's is urged to contact police.”