by Keith Hunt

A pervert who filmed himself committing sex acts with a young girl and showed it live on the internet to others has been jailed for 11 years under an extended sentence.

Describing the abuse as "unspeakable and despicable", a judge ordered that Ian Smith should remain on licence for a further two years for public protection.

"This shows the real dark side of internet technology and the way offenders like you can use that," Judge Philip Statman told the 31-year-old.

Smith, of Christianfields Avenue, Gravesend, admitted one charge of oral rape, one of engaging in sexual activity with a child, one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, three of taking indecent photographs of a child, 13 of possessing indecent photographs of a child and one of possessing extreme pornographic images.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Smith’s dark secret was discovered when he broke up with his girlfriend and she found disturbing pictures and video clips of him on his computer.

He was arrested in June last year and police seized computer equipment from his mother’s home. Further material showing him abusing the girl was found.

Edmund Fowler, prosecuting, said Smith admitted using a live stream on the internet via a camera and said others would ask for various things to be done.

"He said he initially had the idea as fantasies and it then became reality," said Mr Fowler.

"He managed to break away from it for six months but when he found himself in front of the computer it started again.

"He said he recorded it because he could use the footage to get other videos back.

"He admitted searching for indecent images and using file share sites."

Judge Statman said the gravity of the offending was that the main victim was young and he did the most unspeakable and despicable things to her.

"As a result, what you did has had a profound effect upon her," he said. "Indeed, it will remain with her, no doubt, for the rest of her life."

Smith’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register for life and he will be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Kent Police's Det Con Abigail Cochrane said: "This case underlines the dangers of the internet, and how it's supposed anonymity can allow people the freedom to commit horrendous crimes.

"Smith abused a child for his gratification and for others who were able to watch him.

"People must understand such crimes can cause lasting harm to the victims, and serve as encouragement to others who seek to abuse children."

Det Insp Matthew Long said: "This man has raped a child and distributed indecent images of children with like minded individuals.

"I'm pleased officers have been able to help in preventing any further abuse of this young child who is now being cared for by family and victim care.

"People who abuse children and access indecent images of children will be arrested and put before the courts.

"There is no excuse for subjecting anyone to this abuse."