A PAEDOPHILE who systematically abused a six-year-old girl over an 18-month period has been jailed for life.

Former university lecturer Alister Thompson, 42, told police his victim consented to his demands and claimed she "enjoyed" it, a court heard.

He could walk free in just five-and-a-half years under the early release scheme, if parole chiefs believe he poses no further risk.

He was only caught after sexually assaulting two other girls, both 10, last September.

Thompson, of Wellington Clough, Waterloo, Ashton was arrested after one told a schoolpal in the playground she had been "touched" by Thompson.

The married dad-of-three, who regularly helped out at his local church, admitted a sickening catalogue of abuse against the younger girl, which began in May 2004.

Detectives were shocked as the truth emerged and even Thompson admitted his conduct had been "evil". A substantial amount of child pornography was seized at his home along with his computer, which contained images of abuse at the most serious end of the scale.

The girl was abused at least twice a week until his arrest in November last year.

Thompson, who admitted 33 counts of rape, indecent assault and possession of child pornography, buried his head in his hands as the evidence was read out at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.

Prosecutor Alaric Bassano said: "He was lost in it and told police he thought his victim was enoying it. In actual fact she was terrified of upsetting him."

Defending, Anthony Longworth said: "The offences are dreadful. He persuaded himself his victim was willing. But he was drinking heavily at the time and is deeply sorry."

Judge Roger Thomas, QC, told him: "You knew it was wrong but you simply couldn't stop yourself from doing it, which means you pose a worrying risk.

"What you have admitted candidly to police reveals a disturbing picture. Only when you are considered safe will you be released into the public."