A former Dover prison officer, who committed “one act of madness” 35 years ago, has been sent to jail.

Pervert Terence Clark thought he had escaped justice for a sex attack on a schoolgirl in the 1980s.

Even at his trial at Canterbury Crown Court, the 74 year old “frail pensioner” tried to blame the victim for the incident.

But the jury saw through his lies and found him guilty of indecent assault – the maximum sentence at the time was just two years.

Judge James O’Mahony told him that a similar offence today carries up to six years inside.

He said Clark, who now lives in Boyton ,Woodbridge, Suffolk had caused his victim “physical and mental anguish”.

"You have displayed absolutely no remorse about what you have done" - Judge James O'Mahony

Defence barrister Claire Howell said: “This was a moment of madness, committed 35 years ago” but added that Clarke “still maintains his innocence.”

She said that he was now “ a frail man both physically and mentally” and asked the judge to show “a degree of mercy.”

Ms Howell added that Clark had not committed any more offences and was well respected in his community.

The judge jailed him for 18 months, telling him: “You have displayed absolutely no remorse about what you have done.

“You have shown no understanding nor insight into your offending, instead, during your trial, you set about assassinating the character of your victim – which the jury understandably rejected.”

Clarke was also ordered to sign The Sex Offender’s Register and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.