A FAMILY were left outraged when a paedophile who groped their four-year-old daughter was allowed to walk free from court.

Graham Pedley was banned from returning to his Southport home and ordered to attend a sexual offenders programme after he admitted molesting the girl.

But the parents of the youngster reacted angrily after learning Pedley, 59, would not be going to prison.

The mother of the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, shouted: “He’ll do it again and he’ll do it worse next time.”

The girl’s father also shouted abuse and threats towards bespectacled Pedley, who looked away.

Liverpool Crown Court heard the four-year-old had been allowed to play at Pedley’s home on Aintree Crescent, Kew.

But her mother was alarmed when she came home distressed and upset.

When questioned, the girl said Pedley had “pulled her trousers down” and touched her indecently.

Pedley initially claimed the contact had been accidental, but later admitted sexual assault on a child.

But he was spared prison after the court heard he had made frank admissions about his problems and desperately wanted help.

Robert Altham, defending, said: “He accepts he has a problem and he is actively looking for help to solve that problem.”

Judge William George said he had chosen to step back from a jail sentence so Pedley, who has done significant charity work, could receive treatment and supervision.

He placed him under supervision for three years and ordered him to attend a probation programme.