He then told her not to tell anyone about what had happened.

However, the youngster confided in her mother, and the matter was reported to the police.

The mother expressed in an impact statement which was read to the judge, said her daughter had gone from being a bright, confident little girl who was “always smiling” to being a youngster who was reserved and “desperately clingy”, and one who gets upset at the least thing.

The mum said the family had moved away from the area where the abuse happened, hoping it would allow their daughter to move on with her life.

Defending the convicted pervert, Robin Rouch, said it was clear from the pre-sentence report – and in line with his instructions at trial – that the defendant denies the offences. But the barrister said his client accepts the trial process and would complete any courses mandated by the court.

Judge Paul Thomas QC told Felton he was a paedophile who had used the little girl “in order to get sexual thrills – it is as stark as that”. He said it must have been a “bewildering and frightening” experience for the victim, and one which may have a long-lasting impact on her. The judge said Felton could have admitted what he had done but had chosen to “brazen it out” at trial and put the child through the ordeal of giving evidence and being cross-examined – he told the defendant that though that was, of course, his right it “does you no credit as a man”.