A woman 'robbed' a 15-year-old boy of his childhood when she started a sexual relationship with the teenager 30 years ago, a court has heard.

Deborah Taylor, who was in her 30s at the time, remained in a sexual relationship with the teenager for a number of years and into adulthood.

The victim reported the crime three years ago and Taylor, from Bolton, was arrested and charged with indecent assault. She admitted the charge although, initially, she told the police there was no sexual relationship until the victim was at the age of consent.

At Bolton Crown Court on August 10, prosecutor Nicholas Clarke read a statement to the Honorary Recorder of Bolton Judge Martin Walsh.

It said: "I've spent years regretting what she did. I didn't have a childhood because it was robbed. 

"I was a teenager and she knew it was wrong. I was vulnerable and she took advantage of this."

In mitigation, Jon Close said Taylor was in a relationship he described as "controlling" and "coercive" before her relationship with the victim and Taylor was affected by drink and by drugs.

He stressed "she is not the same person", taking on charity work and voluntary work, and he suggested it was appropriate to impose a suspended sentence.

Addressing Judge Walsh, Mr Close said: "The only explanation she is able to offer is these offences were committed after this relationship came to an end. 

"She was alone. She was depressed. She is not the same person now as she was then."

Judge Walsh, however, said it was not appropriate to impose a suspended sentence.

He sentenced Taylor, of Thomasson Close, to two years in prison as well as 10 years on the sex offenders register and a restraining order.

Judge Walsh said: "Effectively, by the time he was 15, you groomed him into a sexual relationship which lasted at least for that time.

"Unquestionably, he was vulnerable and advantage was taken of him in that time."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.