A former branch chairman for Folkestone and Hythe Conservative Association, who made a child victim give evidence against him in a sex trial, has now admitted he is a paedophile.

Bespoke tailor Angus Burgoyne had denied the three allegations of sexual abuse – but was found guilty by a jury.

But now, as his London-based clothing empire crumbles, the 41-year-old father of two has finally admitted he lied during his trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Judge Heather Norton heard that after the case Burgoyne admitted to a probation officer that he has a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children.

“She suffered nightmares in the run up to the trial and was frightened about what the consequences might be. Now I am told you have admitted having a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children" - Judge Heather Norton

In passing a 12-year sentence, the judge told Burgoyne that by denying the offences he had caused one of his child victims to have to re-live their ordeal.

“She suffered nightmares in the run up to the trial and was frightened about what the consequences might be.

“Now I am told you have admitted having a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children and in fact you did sexually abuse your two victims.”

The jury had heard how he had posed online as ‘James Beevers’ to exchange perverted child sex fantasies and then downloaded vile images of children.

Burgoyne formerly lived in New Road, Elham, but has since moved to Melbury Osmond in Dorset.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor had told the jury that Burgoyne was “a brazen liar” and a pervert who molested children before being arrested and questioned in 2012.

Police officers seized his computer and a forensic examination revealed he had downloaded more than 1,500 images of children.

Four of the images depicted children involved in sadistic attacks and many others were of children and adults involved in sex.

The prosecutor said the warped Burgoyne had also created another online profile called ‘Matthew Keeping’ in August 2012.

Burgoyne, who admitted eight downloading and distributing image charges but denied the sex assaults, claimed his child victims had lied.

But the judge jailed him for nine years and told him he would have to serve an extra three years on licence when he is released from jail.

She said Burgoyne had planned the attacks on his three victims, both boys and girls, and had taken advantage when he was alone with them.

And the court heard that although he took a photograph of a child in a sex pose, he didn’t accept it was indecent although he admitted it had been taken “for his own sexual gratification.”

But the jury heard how in an online chat with someone he thought was a child he offered to send “ kiddy pix.”

The judge added: “The probation officer says you show little insight and have distorted thinking – and with that I agree.

“I find you are a danger to the public and pose a serious risk of causing children serious harm in the future.”

Charles Bott QC, defending, told the court that since his conviction he had “lost his business, which was well regarded and had received favourable publicity in the national press.”

He added that Burgoyne had also “lost contact with his children and his many friends.”

“He has asked me to apologise to everyone who has been affected, “ he added.