A MAN who had sexual relationships with two underage girls - and tried to rape one of them - has been jailed for four years.

One of his victims called Robert Hedley, 22, “that thing there” as she confronted him across York Crown Court.

She said she had had suicidal thoughts as a result of his sexual abuse of her when she was 14 years old.

Chris Smith, prosecuting, said she had met Hedley through Facebook and he had been her “first love”.

Although she had had questions about why he was interested in someone as young as she, she liked it that he found her attractive.

Very soon after the beginning of the relationship, he had started having sex with her every time they met, knowing she was under 16.

The girl told York Crown Court: “I feel so stupid for being so gullible.”

She said she now had difficulty forming new relationships or trusting men.

Mr Smith said Hedley had also had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

Shortly after the second relationship ended, he had tried to rape the older girl when she went to his house to collect some DVDs.

Hedley, a chef, of Jute Road, Acomb, admitted three charges of sexual activity with underage girls and one of attempted rape.

He was jailed for four years and put on the sex offenders’ register for life.

The offences occurred when he was in his late teens.

York Crown Court heard they came to light when police investigated his actions in relation to a third girl that did not result in a conviction.

For Hedley, Chloe Fairley said he had matured and reflected over his actions since the relationships.

He felt deeply that he had brought shame on his family and his education had suffered.

Mr Smith said Hedley had used his strength to get the younger girl to engage in sexual activity with him at the start of their relationship and persuaded the girl to perform a similar act against her will after their relationship ended.