A MORECAMBE man who raped a kind natured12-year-old and attempted to have sex with her in his park keepers' shed has been jailed for eight years.

Raymond Metcalfe, 56, told the young girl that he loved her and talked to her about marriage and babies.

Preston Crown Court heard that the girl felt sorry for Metcalfe and began visiting him.

Metcalfe, said to suffer from serious medical problems, pleaded guilty to the rape on the basis that it was not committed by force.

The offence took place at his flat in Arnside Crescent and Metcalfe, described as "lonely and isolated" also admitted attempting to have sex with the girl in his park keepers' shed.

His attempts were only stopped when a customer came by wanting to play miniature golf. He also pleaded guilty to further counts of indecent assault relating to his behaviour.

The incidents began after Metcalfe began talking to the girl in the local arcades in Morecambe telling her he got on with children better than adults.

"He told her he loved her and wanted her to have his baby," said prosecutor, Mr Bradshaw. The court heard how he bought her numerous gifts including clothes, jewellery, a ladyshave, a walkman and a foot spa.

The young girl made a complaint to her mother just after turning 13 and in turn the police arrested him.

"He indicated that he knew how old she was. He admitted the offence. He said he loved her and said he and she were going to get married," said Mr Bradshaw.

Metcalfe, who had previous convictions for indecent assault on nine and 10 year olds dating to 1981, told police: "Why can't I just be happy with someone who loves me?"

Defending, Mr Patrick Thompson, said: "These are very grave matters indeed." He said these offences had been committed over a relatively short period of time and that Metcalfe had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

"This is a man of low IQ and low intelligence," said Mr Thompson.

"Had he been more intelligent he would have realised that it was clearly unacceptable."

Judge Brian Duckworth sentenced Metcalfe to 8 years imprisonment for rape, unlawful sexual intercourse and two offences of indecent assault. Metcalfe was placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.