A POSTMAN who abused a boy in his Royal Mail van left his victim unable to sleep and wanting to kill himself.

Jason Peach abused his 15-year-old victim in a case of “classic grooming”, a court heard.

The 36-year-old formerly of Kingston near Ringwood met his victim at a music gig when he was just 14-years-old.

He even befriended and went for beers with the boy’s father.

Daily Echo:

The sexual abuse happened between July 9 and July 24 this year over several weekends.

While spending time together “delivering parcels” Peach would “repeatedly kiss” the “extremely vulnerable” boy.

Prosecution barrister, Matthew Lawson told how the predator claimed he “loved” his victim and talked about “setting up home together”.

Peach would send naked photos of himself to the child but was caught when his wife found indecent images on his phone.

But still, the abuse went on.

After the breakdown of his marriage, Peach gave the boy his "wedding ring saying throw it away".

A "suicide-pact" was made and he suggested they "spend the night in a hotel room and then kill themselves".

However, police swooped to the victim's home "just as he was leaving" to meet his abuser - they found razor blades in his bag.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, the boy said: "The abuse has affected me really badly and I find it really hard to sleep.

"I wanted to kill myself".

Daily Echo:

He is said to be reminded of the abuse every time he sees Royal Mail vans, post boxes and post offices.

Meanwhile, the victim's father said the postman "needs help and locking up".

Peach appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday facing six charges including rape and making indecent images of a child.

He previously pleaded guilty.

Defending, Keely Harvey called for Peach's previous lack of convictions to be taken into account during sentencing.

Miss Harvey added that he had no intention of putting his victim through any more distress and that there was remorse expressed.

Judge Peter Henry jailed Peach for seven years. Subject to a sexual harm prevention order he will have to register as a sex offender for life.