The victim of a child rapist was praised by a judge just minutes after watching her vile attacker being sent to prison for 16 years.

The courageous woman sat in the public gallery to watch William Gravenor, 62, being jailed for his assaults on three victims.

Judge Heather Norton had earlier read a statement written in long-hand by the woman about the consequences of the abuse.

After ordering Gravenor to the cells, she told the weeping victim: “Thank you for coming to court in what must have been very difficult circumstances and thank you for coming forward to report these matters.

“I hope you are able to move on with your life.”

On her victim impact statement, she added: “It was raw in how she describes the effects on her. These offences hurt people and those around them.”

Canterbury Crown Court heard how Gravenor, of Drying Shed Lane, Canterbury, had admitted nine charges of rape and other sex offences.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor explained how some of the attacks were historic but only came to light in the past few years when other victims reported being abused.

It was later revealed how he had been convicted in 1972 of indecent assault and had escaped with a three-year probation order.

Eight years later he was convicted again of another sex attack and sent to prison for five years.

The bearded and frail Gravenor sat impassive in the dock as details of the appalling and perverted attacks on children were outlined.

His lawyer, Guy Wyatt, said how the sex attacker had told him earlier: “I know that I have hurt them [the victims] psychologically.”

But the judge said a pre-sentence report - which made "extremely troubling reading" - indicated he still had a lack of insight into his conduct and a lack of understanding about the “huge consequences” for the victims.

The judge jailed him for 16 years and ruled he will not be eligible for parole until he is 74.

She then added another four years which he will have to serve on licence if and when he is released.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “It won’t have been easy for Gravenor’s victims to relive the abuse they were subjected to by him but at least they can now rest in the knowledge he is finally behind bars.

“Sexual abuse can ruin childhood, and the impact can last a lifetime but it is never too late for victims seeking justice to speak out.

“Our Speak Out. Stay Safe Programme visits schools to teach children about what kinds of behaviour are not okay and who victims can turn to for help.”

Support is available through the NSPCC helpline 24 hours, seven days a week on 0808 800 5000.