'I couldn't believe that someone had taken my little girl and assaulted her in such a horrific way'

A girl was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a depraved paedophile who had been taking pictures of her and her friends while they played together. Lewis Jones abducted and violently attacked the six-year-old while she and some friends made a den on a field in Droylsden, Tameside.

Jones, 24, had been sitting on a bench when he secretly took pictures of the children's bottoms, before he took his chance to snatch the six-year-old. He picked her up and ran over to a wooded area, covering her mouth with his hand so she couldn't scream out for help.

Manchester Crown Court heard that during a near 30 minute period while he was alone with her, Jones subjected the child to a horrific, violent sexual attack, leaving her covered in blood. Jones only let her go after he heard her family screaming her name in a desperate bid to find her.

READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community

He was handed into police by his own father, after he saw pictures of his son released by GMP in a bid to catch the kidnapper. Police said residents now feel 'scared' of letting their children play out, and told how the terrifying incident has bred a feeling of 'fear and distrust' in the area.

Now Jones, who was already being investigated for the sexual abuse of a child when he kidnapped the girl, has been handed a life sentence. He will have to serve 12 years in prison before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

"I am not satisfied that you feel much remorse or have much insight into the damage you have caused," Judge Hilary Manley told Jones, who showed no emotion as he learned of his punishment.

Prosecuting, Vanessa Thomson told how the six-year-old victim had been playing out on a field with some other