A paedophile described as a 'serious source of harm' to young boys has been jailed for three years.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Gareth Watkinson, 22, had already committed a catalogue of offences at the time he attacked an 11-year-old boy in Bradford this February.

The court heard that Watkinson - whose wife is expecting a child - had 'groomed' his victim with sweets and alcohol before indecently assaulting him in a car outside a friend's house.

Watkinson, of Hillcrest Road, Denholme, had a long history of abusing young boys.

In 1995, aged only 17, he had committed seven indecent assaults on boys under 14, had attempted to rape a child and been found guilty of a "gross indecency" with a child.

David McGonigal, prosecuting, said all these offences had occurred when Watkinson had lured them to a 'den' in woods near his home.

He said the latest attack happened when Watkinson visited a friend's house with others in Mayo Avenue, Bradford.

He had drunk a 'substantial' amount of cider and peach schnapps before going out to his car for a cigarette.

There, the victim and another young boy joined him.

The court was told Watkinson had previously 'groomed' them with sweets, alcohol and the promise of listening to music in the vehicle.

He asked one boy if he wanted to go camping and, when he left to ask his parents' permission, Watkison indecently assaulted his 11-year-old victim.

The court heard when Watkinson returned to the house he collapsed and was taken to hospital. It was not clear if this was due to his drinking, said Mr McGonigal.

Sean Morris, for Watkison, said: "It wasn't the fault of his mother or father or two brothers but they have suffered terribly because of this."

He said their house had been attacked and they were forced to flee the area.

Mr Morris said Watkinson recognised he had a problem and described his paedophile tendencies as an "affliction".

He said: "It is a cruel twist of nature. Some people can enjoy their afflictions but he does not."

With other disabilities, such as physical deformity, he would have been supported by charity groups, Mr Morris added.

Sentencing Watkinson to three years, Judge Gullick said Watkinson had suppressed his impulses but these "resurfaced with drink".

He said: "I consider that I do need to protect the public from you because you are a source of serious harm, in particular to boys aged between seven and 14".

He told Watkinson he must place himself on the Sexual Offenders Register for the rest of his life.

After the case Detective Constable Fraser Dunn said Watkinson's family had suffered numerous attacks since his arrest.

He said: "It was an individual sentenced today and, as the court heard, this was nothing to do with his family.

"They must be left to start rebuilding their own lives."