A PAEDOPHILE who sexually assaulted a six-year-old girl while he was at a house party in Downham has been given a 30-month prison sentence.

Nichola Mezzadri was arrested after his victim told the police she had been sleeping in her mother’s bedroom when a man came in and touched her.

The assault by the 27-year-old man only ended when her father entered the room.

He was found guilty of sexual touching at Woolwich Crown Court on January 8 and sentenced at the same court on Friday (May 3).

Mezzadri, originally from Milan and living in Walthamstow, was not known to the victim’s family but had been invited to the party by a close friend of theirs.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas said: "The victim has shown immense courage throughout this trial, which was no doubt very harrowing and distressing for both her and her family.

“I would like to commend the young victim in this case and her parents, without whom the conviction could not have been achieved.

"My team worked tirelessly on this case.

“Their professionalism and tenacity has resulted in a dangerous individual being sent to prison.

"I hope this conviction will provide reassurance to all our communities that we will relentlessly pursue those who commit these dreadful crimes against children."