Preston Crown Court heard Christen Astin gave the youngster alcopops, vodka and lager before sexually assaulting her on October 14 last year.

Astin, 20, of Churchill Court, Layton, was sentenced after admitting rape at an earlier hearing.

Hugh McKee, prosecuting, told the court the girl and a number of others went to Astin's home and were drinking and listening to music.

The girl later admitted she was drunk and had a patchy memory of what had happened.

Mr McKee added: "She could remember having sex with Astin, but could not remember all of it."

The girl stayed at Astin's home all night and the next morning she asked him what had happened.

He took her to a bus stop and gave her money to get home. Astin was linked to her through DNA.

The girl admitted she had previously had sex with a 13-year-old boy four months before the incident.

Astin said in a statement he believed the girl had consented.

He was not sure of her exact age, but knew she was underage.

Christopher Hudson, defending, said both had consumed too much alcohol and Astin had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

His present relationship was at an end and he would miss the birth of his child, he added.

Judge Anthony Russell QC told Astin: "It must be understood that sexual activity with people under the age of consent is regarded by the public as a serious matter and the courts are obliged to treat them as such."

He added: "She had consented to come to your home.

"She had been drinking, her general conduct may have led you to believe that she was older than she was. Even if she was 14, she was underage and you should not have engaged in sexual intercourse with her."

Astin was sentenced to four years' detention at a young offenders' institution.

He was placed on the sex offenders' register for life.