Paedophile told teen he sexually abused to say she 'instigated' it if anyone found out

A paedophile, who plied a teenage girl with cider and abused her, has been jailed. Gary Austin told his victim that if anyone found out she should say that she 'instigated' it.

The 35-year-old convinced the girl that they were in a "mutually loving" relationship, despite being around 20 years older than her. She would often initially resist his advances but would give in to avoid him becoming angry, a court heard.

Austin, of Skelmersdale, near Wigan, has now been jailed for five years and eight months, Lancs Live reports. Preston Crown Court heard that Austin's abuse of the 'vulnerable' victim went on for several weeks, progressing from kissing to penetration.

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She eventually told a family member about what was happening after her father became concerned about her withdrawn behaviour. Prosecuting, Lucy Worsley told a sentencing hearing that the relationship began at a time when the girl was vulnerable due to a fallout with various members of her family.

She said that Austin first kissed her when both he and the girl had been drinking. On that occasion, she pointed out her age, to which replied: "I don’t care".

After the first sexual encounter, Austin didn’t speak to the girl for a short space of time. He then claimed not to remember what had happened and told the girl that he had a dream.

When the girl told him it wasn’t a dream, Austin responded: “Don’t tell anyone. I don’t want anyone finding out but if they do say you instigated it”.

Ms Worsley went on to detail the sexual activities the pair engaged in, with the girl often reluctant to partake in certain acts but