A former scout leader has been jailed for grooming a young girl for sex.

Simon Collier told the 14-year-old he loved her and sent her texts but a court heard how her parents became suspicious and found out what was going on.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how the 30-year-old was in a position of trust.

Collier, of Coombe Road, Southminster, admitted three charges of sexual activity with a child when he appeared in court.

Judge Patricia Lynch QC jailed him for four years and put him on the sex offenders' register for life.

See Thursday's MBS for the full story.