A “dangerous predator” who raped a young boy on a train after unleashing a sustained and sexual attack on a woman has been jailed for 16 years.

Christopher Key, of Folkestone, followed the lone child onto a train, joined him at a table seat, and then raped him.

The brave 14-year-old managed to photograph his attacker before he fled, and handed the footage to police, sparking a huge manhunt.

Key, 39 and of Westbourne Gardens, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to 16 years in prison, with an extended eight-year licence period.

The court heard the victim earlier this year boarded the train alone at Margate after spending time with friends.

Key also boarded at the station, and when the victim sat at a table seat he took the opportunity to sit opposite him.

After quizzing the teenager with inappropriate questions Key stared at him, making him uncomfortable. Bravely, the victim was able to capture a short video of Key’s face before Key proceeded to threaten and then rape him.

The victim was then able to get away and attract the attention of a couple on the train, who intervened and bravely confronted Key, allowing the victim to get off the train safely.

The boy ran home and alerted his mother to the incident, who called 999.

Meanwhile, the couple who intervened remained on the train with Key and alerted a train guard.

The image of Key taken by the victim was sent to officers, who met the train and arrested Key.

Speaking after sentencing on December 8, detective sergent Mike Blakeburn, said: “This man is a dangerous predator who targeted a lone teenage boy. I am pleased that our investigation has resulted in him receiving a significant custodial sentence.

"I would like to thank the victim and his family for the support they have shown throughout this investigation. It has been an incredibly difficult and upsetting experience for them and I hope this outcome brings them some closure.

“The victim’s bravery in reporting this at his soonest opportunity, along with the video of Key, meant officers could quickly respond and apprehend Key. I commend his quick thinking in such a traumatic circumstance. Additionally, I’d like to thank the bystanders for bravely stepping in and allowing the victim to escape.

"Tackling sexual offences and violence is a priority for BTP. We take all reports seriously and will do everything in our power to bring them to justice.

“If you are a victim of, or a witness to, a sexual offence on the railway - I urge you to report it to BTP.”

Key previously pleaded guilty to raping the teenager and also admitted a seperate sexual assault charge after subjecting a woman to a sustained attack in 2020.

The court was told “depraved” Key viciously abused and sexually assaulted her where, on one occasion, he threw her to the ground and beat her with his fist leaving her with bruises.

His victim managed to record audio of the sexual assault on her mobile phone, which was later played in court as evidence.

Despite initially denying the allegations he later pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court to sexual assault and actual bodily harm.

Detective constable Nichola Shepherd, said: “Our victim was taken advantage of in the worst kind of way by Key. He abused her trust and made her feel unsafe. She was extremely brave to come forward and report this to us and the audio of the attack that was played in court shows what a depraved and dangerous individual he is.

“I hope this sentence allows both of Key’s victims to come to terms with what happened to them and rest a little easier knowing he is behind bars where he can no longer pose a threat to society.”