A man with an IQ of less than 50 has been jailed for sexually assaulting a girl under 13.

Sam Hilden, 57, had lived a “sheltered life” near Canterbury and denied two charges but was convicted by a jury.

Jailing him for two years, Judge Simon James told Hilden: “I have no doubt that your lack of intelligence and social maturity has contributed to these offences.

“But I consider them to be so serious that only an immediate sentence of imprisonment can be imposed.”

He added: “You have an IQ of less than 50 and have lived a very sheltered life with the support of your family who have cared for you.”

James Howard, defending, said Hilden, of Chestnut Avenue, Blean, was a single man who had never been married.

He lived with his siblings and elderly mother.

“In essence, he has been looked after by his sisters and mother all his life,” Mr Howard said.

“In many ways his family describe him as almost childlike in his attitude and in the way he wants to please everyone and often fails.

“He has not had any responsibility for anything ever and is unable, due to his limitations, to have any gainful employment.”

Mr Howard said Hilden’s low IQ would make him vulnerable in prison, adding: “Any fears that he is likely to re-offend will be reduced greatly because he has this family around him.”

Hilden was also given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.