THE girlfriend of a convicted Ryedale paedophile has admitted sending a “grossly offensive” letter to girl he had abused.

Alison Souter, 52, contacted the girl after a jury convicted her boyfriend Neil Anthony Swales, 55, of four sexual offences against the child, committed when she was eight.

Last May, Judge Guy Kearl QC heard how the child had been so affected psychologically by the abuse so that she felt suicidal, self-harmed and had nightmares about what Swales had done.

The judge described the letter as “unhelpful”.

He jailed Swales for eight years for two offences of sexual assault and two of involving a child in sexual activity.

Souter, who lived with Swales in Great Edstone, Kirkbymoorside, is waiting to learn if she too will be jailed, after admitting sending the “grossly offensive” letter to the child, with intent to cause her distress or anxiety, between March 17 and March 22 last year.

A jury at York Crown Court had convicted Swales, who had denied all the charges against him.

The judge said the abuse happened three or four times over a 12-month period.

Souter’s barrister, Ian Mullarkey, applied at York Crown Court for her sentencing to be adjourned while a psychotherapist and probation officers prepare reports on her.

She was released on bail on condition she does not contact the victim and will be sentenced on March 10.