A 50-year-old Ipswich man who sexually abused a teenage girl has escaped a jail sentence.Christopher Williams, of Maidenhall Approach, pleaded guilty to committing four serious sex offences with a 16-year-old girl.

A 50-year-old Ipswich man who sexually abused a teenage girl has escaped a jail sentence.

Christopher Williams, of Maidenhall Approach, pleaded guilty to committing four serious sex offences with a 16-year-old girl.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that Williams had a history of depression and had previous convictions, but none for sexual offences.

Judge Nicholas Beddard told Williams he would have to sign the sex offenders' register and report to police for the next five years. He sentenced Williams to three years' probation and ordered him to attend a sex offender treatment programme.

Judge Beddard said if Williams did not comply with the order, he would be sent to prison.