A young man has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a schoolgirl while on holiday in a Suffolk village. 

James Rhind, 23, was convicted in Ipswich Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday) in relation to the incident in Walberswick six years ago. 

The jury was able to come to a majority verdict after nine and a half hours of deliberation. 

Rhind was found guilty on two counts – sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and sexual activity with a child. 

Judge Martyn Levett said he was awaiting a victim impact statement and psychiatric report before sentencing, adding that he was unsure of the importance of Rhind’s “undiagnosed autism”. 

He was granted bail on condition that he would not contact the victim’s family. 

The court heard last week that Rhind sent text messages to the girl’s father four years after the events, saying he was "sorry" for what he did, that it was "stupid" and that he had "regretted it ever since".

It was said that Rhind offered to show the nine-year-old victim “a cool spot” that if it was rubbed would feel “really good”. 

He had pointed to the area and allegedly asked the girl if she would like him to touch it for her but she said “no”, according to prosecutor Mitchell Cohen. 

Rhind, who was 17 at the time, later asked the girl again if she would like him to show her how to do it, and then unbuckled her shorts and touched her over her underwear. 

He had then allegedly rubbed her between her legs after her underwear had been removed but had stopped when she said it hurt. 

Rhind, of Valley Drive, Durham, is also said to have subsequently kissed the girl on her shoulder and thigh. 

Judge Martyn Levett thanked the jury after their verdict was given: “I do understand that these cases are not straightforward.  

“Thank you very much indeed. I am really very grateful for the way in which you deal with these cases.” 

The next court appearance is set for March 6, and Rhind will be sentenced at a later date.