A child sex offender posed as a teenage boy before travelling by train to meet his young victim and abuse him.

Titoo Tahir first spoke to his victim through social media, told the youngster he was between 15 and 17 years old and then headed to Strood station on September 11 to meet him.

Tahir, who was in fact 38, then took the teenager to an abandoned warehouse where he sexually abused him and threatened him if he did not comply with his demands.

The teen was then made to meet Tahir the next day when Tahir made the boy go back to the building so he could abuse him again. He also gave the boy cash and told him to keep quiet.

A few days later his victim was able to disclose what had happened and the police were called on September 16.

Investigating officers quickly linked Tahir to the offences. He was already in prison within The Metropolitan Police area having committed similar offences.

Following inquiries – including obtaining DNA, mobile phone and CCTV evidence – Tahir was charged with seven sexual offences including three counts of inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

He admitted all seven charges and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday (October 18).

Tahir, from Chamberlayne Road, London, was jailed for six and a half years and upon release will remain on licence for four years.

He was previously jailed on October 15 for similar offences committed in Bromley where he was sentenced to four years and one month in jail. He will serve both sentences concurrently.

The judge also handed him an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and he was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Investigating officer Luke Grimmett, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Tahir used social media platforms to groom his victim and build up a level of trust before they both met.

“At this point Tahir made the teenager walk to an isolated building in order to sexually assault the boy. He threatened the victim and told him he would harm his family if the boy didn’t do what he told him to do.

“Tahir was calculated in his approach and specifically targeted a young, vulnerable person.

“His sentence is lengthy and reflects his dangerous character. I want to commend the bravery of the young boy who reported Tahir’s offending which ensured he was apprehended and faced the consequences of his crimes.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Lloyd, from The Metropolitan Police’s Online Child Abuse and Exploitation team, said: “Working collaboratively with Kent Police has ensured Tahir received a further custodial sentence. We know he targeted multiple children online and sadly this has led to these offences and trauma for many other children.

“If you believe your child has been a victim of online grooming you are encouraged to report this to police.”