A pervert was given the opportunity to apologise in court for the damage he caused in sexually abusing a young boy more than 20 years ago.

Former bus driver Jason Love showed remorse before he was jailed for two years.

Judge Michael Lawson QC told him: "You expressed in your interview a desire to apologise. What would you like to say?"

Heavily tattooed Love, who committed the offences when he was a teenager, replied: "I can't apologise enough for what I have done and I understand I have ruined his life and I can't change that. I am saying sorry.

"I wish I could turn back the clock, but I can't. I understand he is going to hate me for the rest of his life. I hate myself for what I have done to him."

He added: "An apology isn't enough for what I have done."

Maidstone Crown Court heard Love, 41, was only 15 when he started the abuse in the Gravesend area. On one occasion he told the victim he would be able to "fly like Superman" if he committed a sex act on him.

David Povall, prosecuting, said Love would induce the boy to engage in sexual activity.

"an apology isn't enough for what i have done…” – jason love

The victim declined when Love told him he would fly like Superman if he performed a sex act and he was not forced.

"He did not understand what was happening," said Mr Povall. "He had no experience and knowledge. He was excited by the attention.

"He was told by Jason Love he was not to tell anyone what was happening - that it was something special between them. The Crown would call it grooming."

It was only last year that the victim began to face up to what had happened to him as a child. He was suffering panic attacks and flashbacks.

He was on anti-depressants and anxiety medication and unable to work properly.

"He says he no longer recognises himself," said the prosecutor.

When arrested, Love, from Ipswich, made denials, but admitted at his first court appearance seven offences of indecency with a child and four of indecent assault.