A SOUTHAMPTON man who attempted to rape a five-year-old girl has been sent to prison.

David Roles was sentenced to nine years behind bars after a jury found him guilty of attempting to force the young girl to take part in a graphic act.

Southampton Crown Court heard how Roles, of William Macleod Way, was known to his victim’s parents.

The 37-year-old committed the offence when he sat next to the girl on the sofa.

He then attempted to force her into a sexual act.

Judge Nicholas Haggan told the court how the defendant – who has four children of his own, aged between four and 16 – asked the victim: “Why don’t you just do it?”

The girl desperately attempted to get her mother’s attention by turning up the television during the incident last year.

The victim, who is now six, gave evidence during the trial explaining the details of her ordeal.

The court heard she told members of her family about the incident with Roles a few days later.

Her mother and aunt then confronted Roles, who denied the accusation against him.

He was subsequently arrested, but has always protested his innocence.

However, he was found guilty of attempted rape of a child under the age of 13 and jailed.

In mitigation, Alexander Dunn, defending, said: “He (Roles) still retains his not guilty plea.

“But he understands he has been found guilty and must go to prison.”