An illegal immigrant who sexually assaulted a vulnerable 12-year-old girl in Swindon has been jailed for eight years.

And Sony Singh, who came to the UK from India, may be deported after completing the custodial part of his sentence.

Singh, 32, who was a friend of members of the victim's family, sexually abused the youngster in Swindon on two occasions in late 2012.

Following a trial last November he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.

But the jury cleared Singh, who gave the court an address in Leicester, of a charge of attempted rape.

Paul Trotman, defending, said his client still denied any wrong doing and was well aware that he was facing a lengthy jail term.

Before being remanded in custody last summer he said his client had been in a relationship with a woman and working hard to support her.

"He had come over from India really as an economic immigrant to better himself. He got a job and was keeping his family financially afloat," he said.

"His immigration status, we are no further forward. All I have is a collection of letters passed to me by the defendant's partner relating to an application for a visa to stay in this country.

"This conviction will have significant impact in that. I can't tell you any more as far as that is concerned."

Ian Dixey, prosecuting, told the court that the authorities are not aware how he entered the country so has no right to be here.

He said one of the grounds for the application to remain was his supporting his partner, which would now not be possible as he was in jail.

"My understanding is the Border Agency will consider his future in the country in the light of any sentence you pass and may take action at the expiry of that sentence," he said.

Jailing him, Judge Tim Mousley QC said: "I have to sentence you for two offences of assaulting a child under the age of 13 in a sexual way.

"After you were convicted by the jury I told you that there had to be a prison sentence and the only issue for me to decide was how long that sentence should be and of course that remains the position.

"What makes this rather more serious is you didn't just do this once but you did it again after you first did it.

"What makes this offence worse in my view are these factors: the victim was particularly vulnerable by virtue of her age and circumstances.

"You carried out these assaults on her at her home, there is a suggestion, certainly at times, that you were under the influence of alcohol when you had these offences in mind.

"To your credit you have no previous convictions, that reduces the sentence to a degree."

As well as passing an eight year jail term he also imposed a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim for ten years and he must register as a sex offender for life.