A Dover man who sexually assaulted a child has been given an 11-and-a-half-year extended sentence.

Colin Ricketts, 35, looked shocked after being told he would receive a seven-and-a-half-year jail term – and a four-year extended period on licence.

Judge James O'Mahony told him that his victim, who was aged 10, would suffer for many years for his sexual assaults.

Ricketts, of Rokesley Road, later complained he could not understand why he had carried out the attacks as he was not attracted to young girls.

But Ian Bond, defending, told Canterbury Crown Court that what Ricketts, who admitted the sex offences, had done was "hideous".

After the hearing, the detective who carried out the investigation praised the victim.

Det Con Sam Robertson, from the child protection unit of Kent Police, said: "Due to the strength of the victim in this case, we were able to secure a successful prosecution.

"We hope that this will encourage others to come forward and report such abuse."