A “manipulative and predatory” pervert who sexually abused a young girl has been jailed for six years.

Leonard Whatmore was arrested last year after the victim told her mother somebody had “done something bad” to her.

She then revealed the 58-year-old had touched her leg and put his hands up her clothes.

Maidstone Crown Court heard as well as committing those offences in Gravesend he twice tried to incite her into sexual behaviour.

The girl said she did not mention it at the time because she was scared.

“Something she saw on TV prompted her to think about it and reveal the allegations to her mum,” said prosecutor Dominic Connolly.

Whatmore, of Goldington Crescent, Billericay, Essex, claimed there was no improper behaviour and said he may have touched the girl’s leg innocently.

He denied two offences of sexual assault and two of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual behaviour, but was convicted.

Under an extended sentence for public protection, Whatmore will serve two thirds before being considered for release and will then be on licence for a further three years.

Judge Martin Joy said Whatmore was convicted on overwhelming evidence.

The victim, he said, was “blooming” until she was abused. She had feared she would be blamed and in trouble.

“It is a classic case,” said the judge. “You put immense pressure on her not to speak. Your case was she invented the allegations. Effectively, she was a liar.

“You were rightly convicted by the jury. This was utterly deplorable behaviour and ruinous to the victim and her mother.”

The girl had nightmares and felt sad. She could not trust anybody.

“She has nightmares about you coming out of prison and trying to find out where she is,” said Judge Joy. “The impact on her mother also has to be taken into account.

“She feels guilty and very angry. It has made her overprotective of her and other children. She feels she has let her down. The psychological effects of a crime like this are almost incalculable.”

The judge stressed: “Neither of you have done anything wrong.” He told Whatmore: “The only person who has done anything wrong is, of course, you.

“You have taken the innocence away from a child. It is disgusting. One hopes there will be some closure.

“I have come to the conclusion you do pose a high risk to children and there has to be an extended sentence.”

Whatmore’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register and a sexual harm prevention order was imposed.

Danny Moore, defending, said there was very little he could submit about the circumstances of the offences.

“It will be his first prison sentence and it will be a difficult time for him,” he said.

“You have taken the innocence away from a child. It is disgusting. One hopes there will be some closure" - Judge Martin Joy

Speaking after the hearing, investigating officer Detective Constable Zoe Traynor said: “There is no excuse for what Leonard Whatmore put his victim through.

“The victim in this case displayed tremendous courage in not only disclosing what had happened to her, but also in giving evidence to the court and reliving the terrible crimes committed against her.

“I am so proud of her, as I know her family are too.

“Kent Police takes all reports of child sex offences very seriously and victims can rest assured we will investigate such incidents thoroughly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”