A 44-YEAR-OLD man who groomed a vulnerable under-age teenager before repeatedly sexually assaulting her has been jailed for 14 years.

John Corteggio, of Queen’s Park Rise, Brighton, was investigated after images were found on his computer at home.

He had been on the sex offender register until 2006 because of a previous conviction and will have to sign on to the register for life after his release from prison.

Sussex Police detective constable Paul Ash said: “The offences came to our attention last year when another occupant of Corteggio’s address saw images on his computer and became suspicious.

“We immediately investigated and traced the girl, who provided us with full details of what had happened to her and gave evidence against him in court.

“It became clear that he had befriended her over a period of time, taking advantage of her youth and vulnerability.”

Odd-job man Corteggio was found guilty of 19 sexual offences, most of which involved the 14-year-old girl, in two separate trials, one in February this year for 15 of the charges and one in September for the remaining four.

He was given a 14-year extended jail sentence at Hove Crown Court on November 13.

The offences involving the teenage girl included five serious sexual assaults on her involving penetration, one of inciting sexual activity, others of making indecent images of her and one of voyeurism.

He was also found guilty of voyeurism relating to a second woman and of possession of prohibited images depicting animals.

Corteggio must serve at least seven years before being able to apply for parole and will be on release licence until 14 years have expired.

He was also given an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, banning him from unsupervised access to girls below the age of 16.

Corteggio featured in The Argus in 2008, when he was running a company called JACS The Helpful Chaps and complained about a potential fine for fly-tipping.