A FORMER Dudley photographer has been jailed for four years after he engaged in sexual activity with a schoolgirl.

Craig Styles was told his actions had clearly had a damaging effect on the 15-year-old's life when he was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

The 36-year-old who now lives in Hereford, had denied engaging in sexual activity with a child but was found guilty by a jury after they retired to consider the evidence at the end of his trial.

Jonathan Baker, defending, told the court that Styles - a man of previous good character - had committed the offences at a time when his life was “spiralling out of control”.

David Jackson, prosecuting, told the jury there was an “element of grooming” towards the schoolgirl.

Judge John Wait told Styles he must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.