by Paul Hooper

A 52-year-old Tunbridge Wells man was jailed for more than 13 years after admitting sex attacks on children described as "beyond imagination for decent people".

Percy Thrice, of Bayhall Road, admitted 12 sex offences including rape, attempted rape and sexual assaults against two youngsters.

Prosecutor Alexandra Ward told Canterbury Crown Court that when Trice was arrested he denied the offences "expressing disgust at anyone that would abuse children and denied having an interest in young girls."

But later in the interview he admitted what he had done - "and appeared to be unstable himself in relation to the impact, having to discuss these incidents - expressing an intention to commit suicide," she added.

John O'Higgins, defending, told how when Trice was questioned by probation staff he told them: "There must be something wrong with my head."

The barrister added: "This was the appalled realisation of this man that he has strayed into territory which is frankly beyond imagination for most decent people.

"He told them that he was just motivated by sex and has now taken complete responsibility for what he has done and has shown genuine remorse.

"He is now a shell of a man having faced up to this. He is inadequate in his social relations. He is now wholly isolated and devastated by what has occurred.

"He now wants to do everything he can to put it right by accepting treatment and anything else that can be done to ensure nothing like this will ever be done again, " he added.

Judge James O'Mahony said Trice's admissions of guilt had saved him from a sentence of 20 plus years.

But he ruled that he still posed a threat to children - and jailed him for 160 months - and added a further five-year extended licence period.