(Image: WYP)
A teaching assistant has been jailed after admitting to sexual activity with a child in his care.
Aasim Qureshi, 37, of High Park Crescent, Bradford, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 15 or 16.
The offences happened while the girl was in his care.
How long was he jailed for?
He was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Bradford Crown Court on Friday, October 2.
'I want to move on, but I am struggling'
In a statement read out in court, the victim said: "Qureshi was supposed to help me learn but he abused me.
"I was in care and he took advantage of me.
"I feel like everything was my fault, I felt betrayed.
"I want him to know how much the events of the past few years have impacted me.
"He knew what he was doing, he was the adult in the situation.
"I want him to know how much him delaying the court proceedings has left me feeling in complete despair.
"I want to move on, but I am struggling."
DI commends victim's bravery and courage
Detective Inspector Majahid Ashruff of Bradford’s Child Vulnerability Exploitation Team said: "This was a serious breach of trust by an individual who was in a position of responsibility towards a vulnerable child.
"Qureshi exploited his role to groom and sexually abuse a young person who should have been safe within an educational setting.
"I would like to commend the bravery and courage it took for her to come forward and report these crimes.
"It has been a long process for her.
"Her account was instrumental in bringing Qureshi to justice and I hope today’s sentence can bring her closure on the ordeal as she starts to rebuild her life."
West Yorkshire Police has urged anyone with concerns about child sexual exploitation or child criminal exploitation to contact them.
Reports can be made through the force’s Live Chat service or by calling 101 - or 999 in an emergency.