A paedophile was jailed for 15 years on Wednesday for “horrifying” sex abuse of two girls.

David Ransley, who was involved with the Army cadets in Gillingham, was said to pose a high risk of committing further offences with children.

But a judge decided against imposing an indefinite prison sentence for public protection because of his age - 60 - and the imposition of a sexual offences prevention order.

Ransley, of Frank Apps Close, Newington, denied four charges of rape, two of sexual activity with a child, three of sexual assault and one of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, but was convicted on “overwhelming evidence”.

Judge Martin Joy said Ransley fought the charges in the face of clear and overwhelming evidence.

“The degree of harm you have done to the victims will last, I have little doubt, for a very long time,” he added.

Ransley was banned from any future contact with children under 16 and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Det Con John Milham, who led the investigation, said:

"David Ransley was a dangerous predator who cynically abused the trust shown to him by the victims and their families, for his own sexual gratification.

"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 a significant 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."