by Julia Roberts

A man who repeatedly had sex with a teenage girl has been jailed for two and-a-half years.

Liam Mortimore, from Queenborough, was described by a judge as "an opportunist rather than predator".

The judge had heard how the 22-year-old's sexual relationship with the 13-year-old began after she accosted him to buy her alcohol outside a shop in Sheerness.

Maidstone Crown Court was told Mortimore was 20 at the time he met the girl and living in what was described as "supported accommodation".

It was at his flat that he and the girl had consensual sex over a two-month period last year.

The court was told that on April 16 he again had sex with her, and then with a 15-year-old girl in a different room in the same building.

Mortimore, of North Road, admitted two offences of sexual activity with the younger girl.

He denied one charge of sexual activity with the 15-year-old but was found guilty by a jury.

At today's hearing Judge Charles Macdonald QC said Mortimore was a danger to young girls and not suitable for treatment in the community, despite his low intelligence and immaturity.

Furthermore, the judge added that a community order would not reflect the gravity of the offences.

"He will be vulnerable in custody but he knows right from wrong," the judge said.

"He knew he was doing wrong and has no insight into his criminal behaviour and little or no insight into his behaviour with regards to sexual matters."

Mortimore was also made subject to a sexual offences prevention order restricting his access to females under 16 for the next 15 years.

He must also sign on the sex offenders' register upon release.

DC Jon Wood, of the Area Major Enquiry Team investigating the case, said: "I am pleased that Mortimore has been brought to justice for his crimes.

"The success of this investigation would not have been possible without the sheer bravery of the victims and they should be commended for their courage in coming forward to report these crimes.

"Without the courage shown by the victims, this case may never have come to court.

"I hope the sentence handed down today will allow the victims of these crimes to continue to rebuild their lives, safe in the knowledge that this man will remain in prison for some time.

"Every child matters and those who decide to abuse children will be pursued by police, no matter how long ago those crimes were committed."