Richard Dewhirst's victim, who was 12 when he first assaulted her, has told the YEP how she felt sick knowing he was posing for photographs with tourists as she self harmed and attempted suicide.

Dewhirst, 20, of Yeadon, is in the Household Cavalry – the British Army's oldest regiment charged with protecting the Queen on ceremonial and state occasions.

At Leeds Crown Court yesterday he admitted indecent assault on a child, two counts of sexual activity with a child and seven counts of possessing indecent images of a child.

The Army said that if Dewhirst was jailed he would be automatically discharged from the service.

A former Household Cavalry colleague said outside court: "Dewhirst has met Prince Harry and been on parade in front of the Queen. Now he has brought shame on the regiment and the British Army."

Dewhirst's victim, now 18, told the YEP that Dewhirst's abuse had led her to self harm and try to kill herself.

At 16 her boyfriend realised something was wrong and convinced her
to tell the authorities. She said: "We both agreed he was getting away with something and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if he did something to someone else."

In February last year she went to the police.

"There's been times when I've wanted to give up and say it's gone on too long now. But I know I'm doing the right thing."

She urged other victims not to be afraid to speak out. "Telling someone what's going on is the best thing to do because it would put a stop to what's happening.

"I know I've made the mistake of not telling people when it was happening, which meant it went on for longer.
"It's not their fault it's happening.
"They shouldn't ever feel it's down to them."
Judge Ian Dobkin ordered Dewhirst to sign the Sex Offenders' Register and he will be sentenced next month. He was released on unconditional bail.