Another paedophile who sexually assaulted a young girl has walked free from an Oxford court - this time after a judge blamed drink for the man's behaviour.

Only 10 days ago, Judge Julian Hall caused a storm when he freed pensioner Eric Cole, 71, of Bedford, who admitted sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl.

The Oxford Crown Court judge then told him to pay compensation which could buy his victim a new bike.

Now Judge Christopher Compston has set free Steven Jeanne, 39, of Barry Avenue, Bicester, who was convicted by a jury at the crown court of abusing a nine-year-old girl.

After being told the sexual assault was a 'one-off', Judge Compston said yesterday that paedophile Jeanne did not deserve jail.

Jeanne, who is a former IT worker for Oxfordshire County Council and held information on schools, had previously denied a charge of sexual assault on a child under 13 and was found guilty at a trial but changed his plea causing sentencing to be adjourned on January 9.

He was suspended from his council job and resigned in December.

Judge Compston said: "I have no doubt this is serious, disgraceful and disgusting.

"However I accept you are just a normal man who probably in drink misbehaved, and for that reason I will give you this chance. I will make it absolutely clear if anything like this happens again, even a whisper, then to prison you will go, and your reputation will go forever.

"You have a loving and supportive family and you have a lot of good in you."

Jeanne was given a three-year supervision order with a specific condition that he attend and co-operate with a sexual offenders' programme.

His name will be on the sex offenders' register for life.

Judge Compston warned Jeanne if he missed appointments for the sexual offenders programme he would be jailed.

Paul Reid, defending, told the court Jeanne had been living with his parents but now planned to move in with a sister who had two young children aged six and 12.

He said: "This really does have the feeling of a one off about it. This is a man of good character."

The sexual abuse against the nine-year-old girl took place in Banbury between January 28 and 30 last year.

A county council spokesman said last night: "Steven Jeanne was suspended as soon as the allegation was brought to our attention. He subsequently resigned and left the council's employment in December. His job did not bring him into contact with individual pupils."