A 46-year-old Maidstone man has been jailed for four years after sexually abusing a victim.

Steven Scott had been cleared by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court of rape but had admitted a charge of sexual activity with a child in Sheerness.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes told how Scott, of Pudding Lane, had dismissed his attack as a 30-second long incident.

But his victim later told police he faced his attacker who had removed his trousers and boxer shorts prior to the incident.

Judge Philip Statman heard how it left the child feeling "disgusted" and defence barrister Paul Hogben later claimed Scott had tried to kill himself

Scott also had a previous conviction for possessing illegal child sex images in 2010.

Jailing him, Judge Statman said Scott had "seized his moment" to carry out the attack on a vulnerable child causing psychological harm.

'He knew exactly what he was doing and has exploited a vulnerable person for his own gratification.'

He also made him subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

A police spokesman said Scott had been left in a position of trust and alone with the victim during September 2020, when the offence took place.

The abuse was reported to police on December 5 and he was arrested the following day.

Detective Constable Robert Rivers, of the North Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: "Steven Scott has subjected his young victim to a truly harrowing ordeal and no doubt caused immeasurable long-term damage and distress.

"He knew exactly what he was doing and has exploited a vulnerable person for his own gratification.

"I would like to thank the victim for the tremendous courage they have shown to give evidence and help us ensure Scott is now serving a prison sentence.

"I do hope this sentence offers some comfort and reassurance to the victim and their family."