The mother of a child sexually abused by a nursery worker said her 'world collapsed' when she was told of the abuse he perpetrated.

Cub Scout leader Declan Norman was jailed for eight years with a one-year extension for the rape and sexual assault of two children in Southampton.

The 23-year-old was found guilty by a jury of rape against a child, sexual assault against a child and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Police also discovered more than 650 indecent images of children on a laptop seized from his home.

Now the mother of a victim has spoken out following his jailing at Southampton Crown Court saying Norman 'stole her innocence, her childhood and her confidence'.

READ MORE: Seven cases heard at Southampton Magistrates' Court

Norman, of Shinewell Gardens, coerced one of his victims – 13 at the time - into performing a sexual act on him in February 2020.

The court also heard how he raped and sexually assaulted a young girl between a period of 2014 and 2020.

The mother told the Echo: “When I found out what you had done to my daughter, my world collapsed.

“I thought I could protect her from people like you.

“You stole her innocence, her childhood and her confidence.

“I watched her withdraw. After all this time you still won't admit to what you have done.”

She added: "I want to see you acknowledge the pain you have caused and the lives that you have harmed.

“You are a predator and look what you have done.”

Norman, of Shinewell Gardens, Southampton, had 88 Category A images – the most serious - 74 Category B images, and 494 Category C images.

Detective Constable Ella Knight, the officer in case, said: “The abhorrent offences committed by Declan Norman have, and will continue to have, a lasting impact on both the victims.

“My admiration for the victims and their parents is commendable.

“It takes a great deal of courage for people to come forward and speak to us about incidents of this nature, and that should never be underestimated; especially for those who have shown maturity beyond their years.

“I hope this case goes to show that regardless of how long ago a serious sexual assault, or sexual activity has happened, we will work tirelessly to relentlessly pursue perpetrators and provide specialist support to survivors.

“We want our communities to know that we stand with them and will do all in our power to bring the offenders of these horrendous crimes to justice via the criminal justice system.”

Norman denied the charges. He worked at Paint Pots Preschools and Nurseries from September 2019 to June 2020. None of the offending relates to the nursery.