The victim of a vile sex predator wept as she watched him being jailed for more than 12 years.

The girl – who attempted suicide after the attacks – was comforted by family and friends as a court heard details of the abuse.

And as pervert Mark Austen, 48, of Leonard Avenue, Ramsgate, was sent to prison, the 12 strong group in the public gallery at Canterbury Crown Court cheered and clapped.

Austen, who refused to make eye-contact with his victim, was then led away to begin his prison sentence of 12 years and eight months.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to six sex offences against a child, including attempted rape.

His admissions came on the day his trial was expected to start – and after the girl believed she might have to give evidence.

Peter Forbes, prosecuting, said Austen was arrested when police began an investigation into other offences he has denied.

Deborah Charles, defending, said Austen now felt "terrible guilt" at the distress he has caused and has shown remorse.

She added: "He isn't the brightest person and his thinking is distorted."

But Judge Heather Norton rejected Austen's account of the attacks he later gave probation officers as being "at variance" with the account of his victim.

The sick abuser tried to claim the girl was "considerably older" and a "willing participant" – but the judge dismissed his claims, saying they showed "the clear distortion" in his thinking.

The judge added she had thought "long and hard" about ruling Austen posed such a serious danger to the public that he should be locked away for life.

She added: "The effect of your conduct on your victim has been lasting and profound. In her own personal victim impact statement she has spoken about the guilt, shame and distress she has felt.

"It has affected her ability to sustain relationships and to trust adults, which has led her into depression and has caused her to attempt to take her own life."

The judge also ruled that Austen should remain on the Sex Offender's register for life.