A HITCHIN man almost twice the age of a 15-year-old girl he illegally had sex with was jailed for four years and nine months at Luton Crown Court today (Friday).

Moni Nsiawete, 27, of Walsworth Road, Hitchin, admitted a charge of having sex with a child.

He had previously accused the teen of lying, and even suggested her step father had planted DNA evidence at his flat.

Judge John Bevan QC told Nsiawete that his offending and the fact he had accused the teenager of lying for the past 18 months had had a “devastating” effect on her and her family.

He said: “No sentence will totally reflect the damage done to her emotions, and her social and academic life.

“You lied about it in interview and you continued to lie until the day of your trial, when she was due to give evidence the following day.”

He added that he had read victim personal statements from the girl and her mother, which were not read out in court.

Prosecutor Janette Hayne told the court that the offence occurred in August 2009, after Nsiawete had given his telephone number to the girl at a wedding reception.

They were in contact with each other and arranged to meet. She went to his flat, where he initiated sex with her.

“She did not say or do anything at first because she did not want to look silly, but when she did tell him she wanted to stop he did not,” said Miss Hayne.

“These proceedings have ripped the family apart. The effect on her cannot be overstated.”

The court was told that Nsiawete later sent a text to the victim, suggesting meeting again. A meet up never happened.

The offence came to light when the girl’s mother discovered text messages and received other information on Facebook, the court heard.

Nsiawete was arrested and questioned. At first he said the girl had never been to his flat and they had not had sex and even suggested her step father had ‘planted’ DNA evidence at the flat.

Miss Bozzie Sheffi, defending said: “I don’t minimise the level of devastation caused to this girl, but his late acceptance of wrong doing is better than none.

“At last he has faced up to what he has done and appreciates he was the adult and should have known better.

“What strikes you about him is his astounding lack of maturity. He will pay dearly for this error of judgement.”

Nsiawete was also banned from working with children, contacting the girl or having any child under 16 in his home. He must register as a sex offender for life.