A pervert who is facing heart bypass surgery has been jailed for seven years for the “grave” sexual abuse of two young girls.

David Bloomfield, of The Beacons, Coxheath, denied two offences of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one of sexual assault and one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

A jury of six men and six women convicted him of all charges by a 10-2 majority.

Prosecutor Anthony Prosser said Bloomfield got to know the victims when he had a caravan at Detling.

“When left alone with him he engaged in sexual activity with them,” said Mr Prosser.

Bloomfield got one of the girls to perform a sex act on him in the presence of the other girl. He also touched one of them indecently.

“Plainly, each offence is in itself grave indeed. It is marked by the extreme youth of your victims, whom you robbed of their innocence" - Judge David Griffith-Jones QC

He was arrested after one of the victims told her mother. He denied all the allegations.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said there was an element of grooming and abuse of one of the girls “fell not far short of attempted rape”.

Charlotte Newell, defending, said the 62-year-old father was in poor health awaiting a heart bypass and an operation relating to circulation.

“He has up to these matters led a blameless life,” she said. “He is a dedicated father and carpenter by trade. He had a heart attack in his 40s which has limited his ability to work ever since.”

Judge Griffith-Jones said the evidence of the “charming and delightful” victims was compelling.

“Plainly, each offence is in itself grave indeed,” he said. “It is marked by the extreme youth of your victims, whom you robbed of their innocence.

“The effect on these two young girls is hard to imagine. Behaviour of this sort is liable to have ongoing traumatic effects on girls of such a young age.”

In mitigation, Bloomfield had an unblemished past.

“From what I know it is a tragedy to see you in the dock having to be sentenced for such serious offences,” he added.

“Apart from these offences you present as a loving father. But plainly, a sentence of significant length is demanded.”

Bloomfield’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register and a sexual offences prevention order was made, both indefinitely. He will be barred from working with children.