A judge has told of his deep distress at watching film of a teenage girl suffering sadism and torture.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, said the horror of seeing the terrified girl blindfolded and suspended from a ceiling during abuse would stay with him forever.

Jailing Michael Tully indefinitely and telling him he would have to serve a minimum of six years, the judge told him: "Whether you are fit to be released then, who knows? At the moment, because of your entrenched attitudes that certainly cannot be the case."

He said of the catalogue of abuse Tully subjected his victim to: "How anyone who calls themself a human being can treat a vulnerable human being in that way, I don't know."

The 58-year-old, formerly of Warren Close, Folkestone, admitted 11 charges of indecent assault, nine charges of rape, six of indecency with a child, two of taking indecent photographs of a child and two other serious sexual offences.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how Tully corrupted the girl by giving her money. He would film some of the sex acts.

Calling the sentence imposed life imprisonment, Judge Patience said he would have imposed a determinate term of 12 years.

Tully was banned from working with children and placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

Senior investigating officer Det Con Kay Sankey said: "Tully is a continual offender and has been sentenced for not only taking indecent images of children but for a number of horrific assaults on his victim.

"Tully's offences were premeditated, sustained sexual assaults of a particularly sadistic nature on a young vulnerable girl that spanned over several years.

"The victim has shown great courage and resilience in assisting police with the investigation, which in turn has led to his successful prosecution and justified sentencing."

Anyone who has been a victim of this type of crime can contact Kent Police in confidence on 01622 690 690 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Calls to Crimestoppers are free, you do not have to leave your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.