A YOUNG man has been jailed after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old vulnerable girl with the mental capacity of an 11-year-old.

Benjamin Brookes was found guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity after a week-long trial at Oxford Crown Court.

The 26-year-old was found not guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child.

READ MORE: Man accused of raping 15-year-old at house party

Sentencing him to three and a half years imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (February 29), Judge Maria Lamb said: “You know what you were doing was wrong at the time.

“I agree with the probation officer that your ability and willingness to manipulate and exploit her is evident in the way you behaved towards her.

“You identified a sexual opportunity. She was vulnerable and you saw no reason not to take advantage of that.”

During the trial, it was heard that Brookes and the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were in a relationship during 2020 and had several sexual encounters.

He told the girl he was 17 years old when he was 23.

The court heard that though the girl was 14 years old, she was functioning as an 11-year-old and was considered vulnerable.

READ MORE: JK Rowling has her say in debate over Oxford murderer

Brookes, of Brunswick Place, Banbury, denied ever having met the girl.

His defence barrister, Gordana Austen, said Brookes still maintains his innocence to this day.

Several victim impact statements were read out in court by prosecutor Russell Pine, including the girl and her parents.

The young girl wrote: “It has affected me a lot emotionally. I felt very depressed for three years.

“I missed a lot of days of school because I was angry, depressed and confused. I wanted to sleep all the time so I didn’t have to acknowledge my feelings.

“I don’t know how to cope with relationships now, I struggle to know what a healthy relationship is.

Defending Brookes, Ms Austen said Brookes had a trouble childhood and has since been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and is on the autistic spectrum.

She said he ‘struggles with change’ and is likely to struggle in a custodial sentence.

“It’s an emotional and difficult time for Benjamin and his family,” she said.

READ MORE: Thief stole bikes worth hundreds then FAILS to show in court

“He’s emotionally and cognitively immature and will be vulnerable to bullying in custody.”

It was heard that there is no evidence he is sexually attracted to young children and he has had ‘age appropriate’ relationships since the offence.

Brookes will serve half his sentence before being released on licence.