A Herne Bay man who sexually abused a young girl has been jailed for five years.

Nigel Hollyman, 49, of Steed Avenue, appeared for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court having admitted nine offences of sexual assault and three offences of inciting or causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

He was told by Judge James O’Mahony he had pleaded guilty to serious sexual abuse.

In a pre-sentence report before the court Judge O’Mahony said Hollyman, who had no criminal record, had been described as being at high risk of future offending.

“Sentencing guidelines clearly place you in the top bracket for sexual assault on a victim who is under 13,” Judge O’Mahony told Hollyman.

He gave Hollyman credit for admitting the offences in police interview and said: “If more people did that when they were guilty we would not have such a serious problem in terms of the criminal justice system in this country. The message must go out that judges will take particular account of people who admit offences when first confronted with them.”

Hollyman will be subject of a sexual offences prevention order for 10 years. He is also banned from working with children.

Dorian Lovell-Pank, QC, for Hollyman said he acknowledged his conduct was serious but he had admitted the offences at the earliest opportunity.

“He has been candid and helpful with the probation officer and it is clear he is remorseful.”