A FRENCH maid's outfit, handcuffs and a whip were discovered when police raided the flat of a man who had abducted a schoolgirl.

The haul included a vibrator and pornographic material, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Darren Rose, aged 29, had first contacted the 15-year-old - who was studying for her GCSEs - by sending her a text message.

She ran away from home and was taken back by police, but was then put up in a hotel by Rose before he took her to Nottinghamshire, said Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting.

The girl had been exposed to sex aids at Rose's flat in High Street, Evesham, he added.

Rose told police some of the objects were bought for Hallowe'en and others as a present for a friend.

He said the girl was terrified of going into care, but insisted he had tried to persuade her to return to her parents. He denied any sexual relationship.

Rose, now living in Newlands Drive, Mansfield, pleaded guilty to abducting a child.

Sentencing him to 100 hours community work and a two-year community rehabilitation order, Judge Ian Morris said the girl had become infatuated by the defendant and would have passed for 18.

She had brought "emotional pressure" to bear on Rose and he had kept her away from her parents for two days.

The judge added that Rose, of previous good character, should have nothing more to do with her. "She's a very bright girl with a rosy future," he said.

The girl played truant from school last September after her friendship with Rose began, said Mr Cartwright. The police then informed Rose of her age.

A fortnight later, she went missing again and Rose lied to police that he had no idea where she was.

He put her up in a hotel under a false name and then took her to his parents' home in Mansfield, where police found them two days later. She had dyed her hair peroxide blonde.

Rose said she had been distressed and determined to run away from home. They had spent four months in each other's company before the abduction and a strong bond had developed.

James McCracken, defending, said there had been no contact with the girl since the offence. Rose recognised they should now stay apart.