A rapist from Gravesend who abused a youngster for more than four years has been jailed.

Stefan Turner pleaded guilty to raping a child under 13, causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual assault between January 2014 and August 2018 and has been locked up for 11 years.

He was sentenced yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court, and must also be on licence for a year after he is released.

Turner was also added to the sex offenders' register for life.

The 27-year-old was arrested in September 2019, after he voluntarily attended a police station to admit his crimes.

PC Zoe Langdale from the North Kent vulnerable investigation team said: "Turner targeted his victim from a young age and then went on to systematically abuse the child over a number of years.

"The damage he has caused is immeasurable and he is now facing the consequences of his appalling actions.

"We have a team of specialist officers who work relentlessly to ensure that offenders like Turner are brought to justice.

"Anyone who reports abuse is treated with the utmost sensitivity and care by our officers and we encourage victims to have the courage to come forward."

An NSPCC spokesman added: “Turner’s years of sickening abuse robbed a youngster of a safe and happy childhood.

“It is vital that those affected by child abuse feel able to talk to someone - and that they then get the help they need to come to terms with what happened.

“Childline is there for young people 24/7 on 0800 1111. Adults concerned about the wellbeing of a child can phone the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000.”

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