A sexual predator who grabbed a teenager from behind on a riverside path before trying to kiss another victim inside her home has been jailed.

Connor Baker, 24, followed an 18-year-old along a path near the Royal Military Canal in Hythe on July 11 last year, before putting his hands around her waist.

The victim managed to get free of his grip and ran to Rampart Road, where she was seen by a group of her friends as they drove past.

They then drove to join another group of friends at Hythe Green, and together they confronted Baker, asking him to explain his actions.

He then became aggressive and swung a baton-type weapon at the group before leaving the area.

Police arrived and Baker was later identified as a suspect.

Later that year, on November 12, knocked on a stranger's front door in Folkestone.

He managed to get into the property and grabbed the female resident, trying to kiss her.

She got him out of her home but he climbed upon a conservatory and looked in an upstairs window, damaging the victim's property in the process.

The incident was reported to police and Baker was arrested at the scene after jumping into a nearby garden. He was later charged with a number of offences.

Following a trial, Baker, formerly of Appledore Crescent, Folkestone, was found guilty of assault with intent to commit a sexual offence and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the first incident; and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault, and damaging property in relation to the second incident.

He was given a nine-year sentence and ordered to serve an extra four years on licence when he was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court last Friday.

Investigating officer PC Paige Thomas said: "These offences would have been terrifying for the victims and I am pleased the sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of Baker's actions.

"Kent Police takes violence against women and girls extremely seriously and officers will do everything within our power to track down offenders and bring them before the courts."