A Dover sex beast, who attacked two children 30 years apart, has been given a 10-year sentence for his crimes.

Former merchant seaman Leslie Bates, who will celebrate his 63 birthday inside jail next week, was confronted about his abuse.

He was asked: “How could you do that to an innocent nine-year-old?”

But a judge heard that the vile paedophile replied: “She is not as innocent as she looks!”

Bates, of Reach Road, St Margaret’s At Cliffe, appeared in the dock at Canterbury Crown Court in a neck brace.

His barrister, Jason Dunn-Shaw told the judge that he had suffered a broken neck in a prison bust-up while awaiting sentence.

Vivian Walters, prosecuting said the sailor, who had worked for ferry company Townsend Thoresen, attacked his first victim in 1979.

But the incident wasn’t reported until police began investigating a spate of attacks on another child, also aged nine.

Bates, who has homes in the UK and France, admitted 11 sex offences against his two victims. Charges alleging downloading child abuse images, which he denied, were left on the file.

Ms Walters said the second victim’s ordeal was only revealed in November when she was being treated for stress by a doctor.

You, in effect, blamed the child for being sexual towards you.

“You, in effect, blamed the child for being sexual towards you. That thinking is perverted and distorted" - Judge Adele Williams

Mr Dunn-Shaw said: “There is clearly no defence in relation to the offences. He feels ashamed although his words immediately on being challenged (about the offences) would tend to undermine this submission.

“Many people fear prison because of the possible violence and he has already received a broken neck as a result of an attack.”

Judge Adele Williams told Bates: “You unhappily have no insight into your offending, or very little. You, in effect, blamed the child for being sexual towards you.

“That thinking is perverted and distorted. You do not begin, in my judgement, to realise the harm you have caused. I have no doubt the effects on your victims have been traumatic and will be long lasting. You robbed them both of their innocence.”

Bates was given a five-year jail sentence plus a five-year extended licence after telling him he posed “ a significant risk” in the future to children.

He was also given a Sexual Offender’s Prevention Order and told he had to remain on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.