A Morrisons supermarket worker sexually abused an underage teenage schoolgirl after meeting her in the store and sending a Facebook friend request, a court heard.

Stephen Kennedy, aged 40, of Dol Afon, Cwm y Glo, near Caernarfon, was jailed for six years and eight months.

“This whole campaign of sexual abuse of this child only came to an end because her mother was suspicious and demanded that she see her phone,” said Judge Nicola Jones at Caernarfon crown court.

“Highly sexualised” messages, and messages confirming sexual activity had taken place, were found, said the prosecution.

Kennedy must register as a sex offender and a sexual harm prevention order was made. They will last indefinitely.

Prosecuting barrister Ffion Tomos said the paedophile worked at Caernarfon. His messages to the girl became lewd and there was no doubt he knew her age.

Kennedy had told the youngster to delete evidence of their contact and bought her gifts. They also met.

The defendant had no previous convictions.

Richard Edwards, defending, said Kennedy was hard-working but had experienced some difficulties in his formative years and was bullied in school. When he was twelve there had been a serious road accident and head injury.

Kennedy recognised that he had done wrong. There were guilty pleas.

Judge Jones said he was sentenced for six offences alleging unlawful sexual activity, causing a child to watch sexual activity and possessing indecent images. The abuse involved “grooming.”