by Keith Hunt

A pervert has been jailed for 18 years for sex abuse of two young girls that a judge branded "monstrous".

Keith Loveridge, of Pattens Place, Rochester, denied eight charges of indecent assault, three or rape, one of indecency with a child and one of sexual intercourse with a girl, but was convicted.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the "repeated sexual abuse" was committed between 1996 and 2005.

Judge Martin Joy said 58-year-old Loveridge (pictured right) had been convicted on overwhelming evidence.

The judge praised the two victims for the way they gave evidence and spoke of the psychological damage they had suffered because of Loveridge's crimes.

One of them, he said, had outward calm and determination - despite her tears - and was an example to all. The "disturbance" in the other could be clearly seen. One felt guilty and ashamed, the judge added.

"You presided over a monstrous regime of sexually abusive behaviour," Judge Joy told Loveridge. "Each of these young women have been extremely impressive.

"They showed classic symptoms of psychological damage caused by this monstrous activity on your part. You have caused massive psychological harm."

The judge spoke of the "pitiful" evidence of one of the victims. The other dealt with it in a different way, turning to drugs and prostituting herself.

"i hated myself for so long. life as a druggie has been hard..." – victim of keith loveridge

"She said she had no self-respect for herself," he added. "She became involved in crime. She would get flashbacks."

She said in a statement: "I hated myself for so long. Life as a druggie has been hard."

Judge Joy told Loveridge: "You contested this matter and you remain in denial. Quite clearly, you have no remorse whatever for the monstrous crimes you committed.

"In this case you caused fear, humiliation, degradation, shame, embarrassment and the inability to trust and form personal relationships. You have maintained your denials.

"The nature of your criminal conduct is deeply abhorrent to anybody who hears about it. There is a background of intimidation."

Loveridge will serve half the sentence in prison. A sexual offences prevention order banning him from contact with children under 16 was imposed and his name will appear on the sex offenders register. Both will last indefinitely.