A pervert who molested a young boy and downloaded more than 160,000 still images and videos of children being abused has been jailed for four years.

Antoine Allet, 39, admitted two offences of sexual assault, 11 offences of making indecent photographs of children and five offences of possessing indecent photographs of children.

Maidstone Crown Court heard some of the images were graded by police at the most serious levels of abuse.

Passing sentence Deputy Judge Andrew Patience QC said his abuse of the boy was "wicked" and he had no doubt the effect on the youngster would be long-lasting.

He added that he was "troubled" that Allet, of Burnt Oak Terrace, Gillingham, had displayed a "lack of insight" and a "desire to minimalise" his behaviour.

Referring to the offences of downloading child abuse images, Judge Patience remarked: "It encourages others at the other end of the chain to inflict horrid, horrific and foul abuse upon innocent children.

"These are inflicted upon children of all ages who are subjected to the most painful and terrifying experiences, and it's happening now on this planet as we speak.

"Why? Because people like you are prepared to download the stuff."

Crispian Cartwright, defending, said the sexual assaults did not involve penetration, and the boy was not subjected to violence, force or threats.

He added that the offences occurred at a time when his wife, who has stood by him, was suffering from ill health.

"They reflect a very sad and disturbed time in his life," said Mr Cartwright.
However, Judge Patience said that while his wife's poor health was an explanation, it "could not possibly offer any excuse".

Allet was ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register for life, barred from working with children and made subject to a sexual offences prevention order. He has served 90 days on remand.