THE mother of a sex assault victim has spoken of her fury after her attacker was spared jail.

Christopher Chu, 43, of Westmorland Close, Upton Priory, groomed and sexually assaulted the child.

At Chester Crown Court he was given a given a three-year community order after admitting five charges of sexual assault of a female under the age of 13.

Recorder John Gibson said while Chu’s actions had “a devastating effect on the victim and her family” the sentence reflected his need for help to prevent him being a danger to the public in the future.

But the victim’s mother has slammed the sentence as being too lenient.

She said: “There was no justice for my daughter.

“The sentence handed down to Chu makes a mockery out of our family’s trauma and heartbreak and we feel let down by the police and the justice system.

“Chu pleaded guilty to these crimes and yet he has walked free.

“My daughter will never be free.

“She will carry the pain of what she has endured with her always.”

The court heard that father-of-one Chu, who ran a fish and chip shop on Westmorland Close in Upton Priory, ‘groomed and pursued’ his victim.

Prosecutors said Chu touched the victim’s leg and told her he loved her.

Chu also committed sex acts in her presence, the court heard.

He later became jealous when she spoke to boys and harassed her by text, the court heard.

Prosecutor Oliver King said police were called when the victim’s mother found text messages from Chu.

Barry White, defending, said Chu was ashamed of his actions.

As well as the community order Chu was given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order banning him from contact with children for 10 years.

He must sign the sex offenders’ register for five years.

The victim’s mother added: “The abuse my daughter has suffered has had a profound effect on her.

“Chu has robbed her of her innocence. She wants to bury the memories and make it go away.

“She has lost trust with all but her close family.

“It’s a mother’s worst nightmare.”