Villagers have condemned the "small-minded idiots" who vandalised a pub following the conviction of its boss for having child abuse videos on his iPhone.

Windows have been smashed at the White Horse Inn in Bridge, near Canterbury, which is run by Christian Diamant.

Police officers executed a search warrant at the pub in January following an investigation by the force's Paedophile Online Investigation Team.

Diamant, 51, was arrested and last month admitted three counts of having indecent videos and images of children on his mobile.

He avoided jail and was spared unpaid work by a judge who said he had “no desire to upset his business”, ordering him to attend a sex offenders programme as part of a two-year community rehabilitation order.

But now the pub has been partly boarded up following the vandalism on Friday night.

Two men were reportedly seen causing the damage before leaving the area.

It is understood staff at the pub - unconnected in any way to Diamant's crimes - have also suffered verbal abuse since his conviction.

One has even reportedly been forced to give up their accommodation at the village inn, fearing for their own safety.

Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism, which has been condemned by local residents.

Jane Meakin said: "I know it's anger aimed at the owner, but what about the other staff who work there?"

The feelings were echoed on the Bridge Village Facebook page, where one commenter said: "These small-minded idiots obviously do not realise that the ‘offender’ is not actually there, and that they are doing nothing more than terrorising the innocent people that worked for him!"

Another added: "How sad that the building is being attacked. Neither the building, nor the resident staff are responsible for the crimes of the landlord."

On its website, the White Horse Inn's company number matches that of CD Food and Drink Limited, of which Diamant is the sole director.

Speculation on Facebook suggests he no longer remains at the pub, and that a new licensee is set to take it on.

Police say they are now appealing for any witnesses to Friday's criminal damage, which happened at about 8.30pm.

They are also keen to access any CCTV which could help the investigation.

Those with information should call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/176684/20.

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