A WIDOWED barber who groomed a 14-year-old then exploited her for sex has been jailed for four years.

Peter Panek, 43, of Winnipeg Close, Lammack, Blackburn, was branded ‘disgraceful’ by a judge who told her he had ‘damaged’ the girl.

Panek, who ran a barber’s shop in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, initially started texting 'innocuous' messages to the girl in May 2007, but they soon turned into ones of sexual nature, a court was told.

The pair first met alone after the youngster sneaked away from a party when she received a text from Panek, Preston Crown Court heard.

On another occasion he asked her to come to his house then touched her, later texting and asking if she had liked it, the court was told.

Prosecuting, Kath Johnson said that about four weeks after Panek initiated contact he took the youngster to his shop, making her duck down in his car so that no one would see her.

The father of two, who lost his wife in 2003, engaged in a sex act with the girl and twice went on to have sex with her at his family home, the court was told.

Passing sentence, Judge Mr Justice David Clarke said: "You quite disgracefully exploited this young girl.

"She had friends of her own age and was getting interested in sexual matters.

"She should have been able to learn about them in the proper way and with people the right age.

"You have damaged her. She should not be blamed. You have tried to minimise your responsibility.

"You and you alone bear the responsibility for what has happened and for the psychological damage that has been done."

Their relationship was revealed when the girl's parents discovered explicit texts from Panek on their daughter's phone.

Panek, who had been in the hairdressing industry for over 27 years, initially denied any knowledge of the messages, and insisted the girl had sent them to herself from his phone.

But at court he admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child on the day his trial was due to begin.

The court was presented with a victim impact statement in which how the girl had been left emotionally damaged.

Miss Johnson said: "She felt stupid for getting involved."

She told the court that the victim felt particularly guilty as Panek had told her his children would have to be taken into care if she told anyone about what was going on between them.

Defending, Robert Platts said that Panek had struggled to find a relationship with a woman of his own age after his wife's death.

He said: "He knew it was inappropraite.

"He has already suffered the traumatic death of his wife and bringing up two children who now live a good distance away from him.

"It is clear to him there is really no excuse for his behaviour."

Panek was also given a Sexual Offence Prevention Order and was banned from working with children.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Susan Smith, said: “Panek used a combination of flattery and manipulative grooming to win the 14-year-old victim’s consent to engage in sexual activity.

"His conviction and damaged reputation is the price he has had to pay for his irresponsible behaviour."