A paedophile who inflicted horrific injuries on a four-year-old girl was jailed for just two-and-a-half years by an Oxford judge because of prison overcrowding.

A paediatrician had earlier told a jury at Oxford Crown Court that the injuries suffered by 37-year-old Matthew Skuse's victim were the worst injuries he had seen during his 35-year career.

Yesterday, Judge Paul Clark said the country's senior judge, Lord Woolf, had warned that prisons were becoming overcrowded and courts should bear this in mind.

After seeking confirmation from barristers in court, he said: "In view of the Lord Chief Justice's comments about the fullness of prisons, I think this is a case where I should keep the sentence shorter than I otherwise might have."

Indecent assault carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The girl's family said they were dismayed by this approach and the fact that Skuse could be free on licence after 15 months.

The wide age gap between Skuse and his victim, the fact that Skuse denied the charge and caused injury meant a much longer sentence would normally be expected. Skuse, of Neithrop, Banbury, had denied indecently assaulting the girl in March, but was convicted by a jury.

Judge Clark said Skuse's details would be on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

He imposed an extended period of licence, meaning Skuse -- who was of previous good character -- will remain under supervision in the community for a further two-and-a-half years after his sentence has ended.

The prosecution said Skuse inflicted the injuries in a fit of temper, rather than for depraved sexual gratification.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, also suffered facial injuries. Kate Mallison, prosecuting, said she had since made a full physical recovery, but was still psychologically affected.

Tony McGeorge, defending, said Skuse bitterly regretted the offence and could not explain it.

He said sex offenders often spent their time in prison on an isolation wing because of threats from inmates and this might be another reason for keeping the sentence short.