A “vile” rapist who subjected two children to more than three decades of abuse has been jailed.

Steven Franklin of Montgomery Road, South Darenth, was sentenced to 26 years in prison during sentencing on November 14.

It comes after the jury unanimously found him guilty of 10 sexual offences, including five counts of rape.

The court heard how officers had launched an investigation into allegations Franklin had subjected a child to a sustained campaign of sexual abuse.

Through the investigation it was established there was a second victim who the offender had targeted in the 1970s.

Inquiries later revealed the child had suffered at the hands of Franklin for more than a decade.

In August 2023, the 71-year-old was charged with multiple sexual offences and ordered to appear before Woolwich Crown Court, but he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

But he was found guilty at the trial on November 14, and must serve at least two thirds of his 26-year sentence before he can apply for parole.

Detective Constable James McClelland said: “Franklin persistently and repeatedly assaulted his victims in the most vile manner for his own selfish gratification.

“He took advantage of two vulnerable young children, subjecting them to years abuse, with absolutely no regard for their physical, mental, emotional, or psychological well-being.

“He has subsequently demonstrated zero remorse and refused to confess his wrongdoing, instead choosing to make them suffer a lengthy legal process, during which they’ve had to relive horrific incidents.

“I would like to commend the bravery of both victims in reporting Franklin’s abhorrent behaviour and hope that his lengthy jail term offers some comfort.

“Kent Police takes all reports of this nature seriously and encourages any victims of such crimes to have confidence that we will seek to serve justice against perpetrators, no matter when the offence occurred.”