A CONTROLLING and violent man continued a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old despite being given repeated warnings that she was a child, a court heard.

Matthew Bailey, who admitted assaulting the girl and leaving her with a black eye, continued the relationship even after her sister informed him of her age, Bolton Crown Court heard.

Their three month relationship started with exchanges of messages via text and social media.

They kissed and cuddled at first, but the relationship became sexual.

Over time Bailey, aged 22, became more and more controlling, the court heard.

Bailey would get jealous and angry if she didn't answer her phone, and would become jealous if she was spending time with boys her own age.

Then Bailey turned violent, but the court said he would take her back after he apologised.

The court heard that on at least three occasions he assaulted the girl.

The girl even devised a system with a friend, to let her know if she was in any danger.

She would send the friend a message with a number between zero and 10, with 10 meaning that Bailey was being violent and that she needed help.

Bailey, of Green Lane, Horwich was arrested after his behaviour was reported to police.

In interview he claimed that he believed the girl was in fact aged 16 or 17, because of her behaviour and demeanour.

But the court heard Bailey was repeatedly warned off, including when her parents eventually found out.

Bailey was yesterday sentenced to a total of 41 months in prison.

He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging a child in sexual activity, three counts of assault by battery and one count of theft.

Addressing Bailey, who appeared at his sentencing hearing via video link from prison, Judge Richard Gioserano said: "You admit you can be jealous and have a temper problem. That in my judgement in an understatement.

"Even when you knew she was 14 you continued to dominate and control her. You were jealous and obsessive to enforce yourself over her, and you were threatening and violent.

"You were warned several times to cease the relationship with the girl, but you ignored these warnings."

Bailey was also banned from working from children, and a restraining order was imposed for five years.