A young Wirral man who had sex with a 13-year-old girl after grooming her via the internet was described today as a posing a risk.

John Sadler was told by Judge Thomas Teague, QC, that he poses a significant risk of serious harm to the public, particularly young girls.

He said that his offending was of a "highly manipulative and calculating nature.

"That offending indicates you have powerful pre-disposition to prey on vulnerable young girls."

Sadler, 21, was convicted after a trial of five offences of sexual activity with the girl and the judge pointed out: "You are in a state of complete denial in my view."

Judge Teague sentenced Sadler to five years in jail with an extended licence of two years.

He said that he has been deemed unsuitable for rehabilitation courses following the offences which left the victim suffering from nightmares and trauma.

He ordered him to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life and imposed a ten year Sexual Offences Prevention Order restricting his internet use and banned him being alone with under 16-year-old girls.

After Sadler was in January he threatened his victim's relatives, sitting in the public gallery, that he was going "to have you when I come out".

He today admitted that placed him in contempt of court and the judge sentenced him to four months to run concurrently. He said he accepted it had probably been a "spontaneous emotional reaction."

During this trial Liverpool Crown Court heard that Sadler, of Meadowcroft Cresecent, Woodchurch, cultivated the girl's acquaintance via the internet in September 2012.

His messages quickly became sexually explicit and he met her on three occasions and had sexual intercourse with her on the first time in Central Park in Liscard.

They met again in Mayer Park in Bebington and again had sex.

Sadler had told her he was 16 and maintained this even when she queried it.

Zillah Williams, defending, said that Sadler has no previous convictions and is immature.

The court heard that the same girl was the victim of earlier similar offences involving a 25-year-old Wirral man who began grooming her in April 2012 and sexually assaulted her in May, June and July.

He is currently serving a six year prison sentence with a two year extended licence.