THE NSPCC has welcomed the sentencing of a dangerous 58-year-old sex offender who has been jailed for more thna three and a half years after targeting girls at a playground.

Mark Lewis, 58 of Gaskell Court in Parr, was sentenced to a 45 month term after facing five charges at Liverpool Crown Court.

He was convicted of a count of sexual assault of a girl, two counts of taking a child without lawful authority so as to keep them from lawful control and two counts of making a child under 13 watch a sexual act.

In May this year Lewis targeted two girls – aged eight and seven – and then sexually assaulted one of them.

It is reported he bought them crisps and alcohol and coaxed the older girl, as she played on a swing, to allow him to touch her sexually.

Two other historical offences were outlined in court dating back to 2004.

An NSPCC spokesman for the North of England said: “Lewis is clearly a danger to children, and his sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.

“His young victims should be given every support to help them move forward from their ordeal.

“Children who need advice and support can call Childline on 0800 1111, anyone with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000.”