A man who sexually abused a young girl has been jailed.

David Kendrick, from Gravesend, gained access to the victim and then proceeded to make sexual advances on numerous occasions.

Kendrick was arrested on March 8 and charged with five counts of sexual assault on a child and three counts of making indecent images.

The 40-year-old, of Wrotham Road, Gravesend, was jailed for 38 months after a trial at Durham Crown Court.

Investigating officer Kat Pudney, from Durham Police Safeguarding unit, said: “I would like to acknowledge the victim’s bravery for standing up and speaking up against her abuser.

"I hope she has given others who may be suffering or have suffered sexual abuse the courage to come forward.

“Kendrick is a dangerous predator who took advantage to facilitate access to his victim who he then proceeded to groom and abuse.

"He posed a serious risk to children and therefore his conviction and custodial sentence is crucial in preventing him from offending further.

“No sentence will ever truly reflect the damage and hurt caused however I hope that the brave victim now has a degree of closure and is able to move on with her life.”