A 51-YEAR-OLD paedophile abused a girl he met in a park after he claimed he was more than 20 years younger than his age.

Prolific criminal Alec Walker met his 15-year-old victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in Queens Park, off Chorley New Road, Bolton, in July, 2012, and asked her friend for her phone number.

Bolton Crown Court heard the relationship did not last long and went beyond her 16th birthday.

The victim thought Walker, of Chorley New Road, Bolton, was in his early 20s but he maintained he was in his late 20s.

The teenager said Walker made her feel special and she trusted him.

He would not let them hold hands in public because of her age, the court heard.

Walker, pictured, who has a catalogue of convictions including for violence, was on licence at the time of the crimes.

Ten days after meeting his victim, he asked her if she was ready for a physical relationship.

The court heard the victim has since received counselling and was terrified of Walker.

Brian McKenna, defending, said Walker could not be held responsible for mental health issues the girl suffered from as she had problems before they met.

Judge Peter Davies, sentencing, said: “She complains that your manner was overbearing and you were possessive.

“She was threatened with violence. One can see how frightening you are from your antecedents.

“You considered this as easy access to regular sexual intercourse with no need for commitment and a total disregard for the effect on her.”

Walker admitted four counts of sexual activity with the girl.

He was jailed for seven years and will spend five years on licence when he is released.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for 15 years.

Walker will have to notify police of his address for the rest of his life.