A MAN deemed to be a "significant risk to children" has been put behind bars.

David Rowland, of HMP Berwyn, appeared at Mold Crown Court via video link from the prison on Friday for sentence.

The 71-year-old had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to seven offences relating to sexual offences committed against a female child in North Wales.

Nicholas Williams, prosecuting, told the court the offending came to light after the victim confided in her mother.

When the defendant's devices were seized, a number of search entries were indicative of a sexual interest in children.

He'd also been searching terms such as "paedo," and "paedophile."

In a statement read to the court, the victim's mother said the moment she learned of the offences would haunt her forever.

"My brave daughter had the courage to tell me what had happened to her," she said.

"Hearing those words completely broke me. I was in shock.

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"I don't believe I've really processed what has happened.

"The impact of his selfish, degenerate behaviour will continue to impact my daughter."

And speaking to the defendant via the statement, she added: "You should be ashamed of yourself.

"I hope a higher power makes you answer for your actions."

Simon Parry, defending, said: "There is no doubt that on the facts, the defendant is assessed as posing a significant risk of harm to children.

"It is extremely serious and nothing I say is intended on the defendant's behalf to diminish that seriousness.

"Having initially said he was not guilty, the time in between coming to this court the defendant did reflect on his position and entered his guilty pleas.

"The importance is he has saved this victim from having to go through the court process.

"He's now 71 and when one starts to reach ones 70s and faces a significant custodial sentence, there's always the question of whether the sentence will come to an end by virtue of release, or other reasons.

"That weighs heavily on the defendant."

Judge Niclas Parry handed down a sentence of 10 years - nine of which will be custodial and one year added licence.

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He must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial element before he can be assessed by the parole board for consideration for release on licence.

Rowland was made subject to the notification provisions as a sex offender, and a sexual harm prevention order, for life.

A lifelong restraining order was also imposed to protect the victim.

At the conclusion of the hearing the Judge told the victim's family, who were in the public gallery: "I thank the family for the dignity you showed in the gallery.

"It must have been extremely difficult."