A sex offender was arrested a month after being released from prison after a woman he had abused as a child finally broke her ten-year silence.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Anthony Shearing, 66, of Bourne Lane, Woodlands, Hants, had been jailed for two years in May 2005, after being convicted of four indecent assaults between 1979 and 1993.

When he was freed in May last year he was arrested by police investigating reports of sex abuse between December 1994 and December 1995.

Prosecuting, Robert Griffiths said Shearing's victim had been 12 or 13 when she met him at a friend's house.

"She saw him several times and he asked her if she wanted to work at the tuck shop he ran.

"The assaults happened when he was giving her a lift there."

Shearing admitted indecent assault and indecency with the same child.

Mr Griffiths said Shearing had molested the girl as they drove along Wessex Way in his van.

"She was very uncomfortable and froze.

"She felt out of control but didn't know what to do.

"The girl felt she couldn't tell her parents because she was concerned that her father would do something in retaliation. So she shut it away."

Mr Griffiths added: "It was a secret which came to light 10 years later, having had quite a major impact on her life.

"Every time she drove down that road memories flooded back.

"It was only when she was training to be a counsellor that she felt guilty about not reporting it and concerned it might happen to someone else."

Defending, Robert Grey said Shearing was considered suitable for a sex offenders' programme.

"Unlike the previous offences, he admitted these.

"He is motivated and willing to take part in the treatment programme."

Judge Roger Jarvis told Shearing: "Having admitted these matters, you accept your behaviour was disgusting and disgraceful.

"You are assessed as suitable for treatment and, because of the particular circumstances, it seems that is the right course to take."

Shearing was made the subject of a three-year community rehabilitation order with the requirement that he attends a sex offenders' programme.

He was banned from working with children.