A man has been sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 12 years in prison for sexual offences against a child.

Leslie Higgins, 73, of Halling, had previously pleaded guilty to eight charges at Maidstone Crown Court.

The charges included rape of a child under 13 and two counts of rape of a child over 13 as well as other sexual offences.

Officers arrested Higgins in December 2008 after the victim spoke to a relative who then alerted Kent Police.

Investigations indicated the abuse of the child had taken place over a four-year period.

Sentencing Higgins, Judge Patience commented: "You degraded, humiliated and violated a young child over the period of four years."

"You robbed that child of her innocence." "She can never get it back."

DC Ally Smith, from Kent Police in Medway's public protection unit, said: "Leslie Higgins committed these horrific assaults on a young child over a four-year period.

"The victim has shown great courage and resilience in assisting police with this investigation, which in turn has led to the successful prosecution and sentencing of this man.

"The sentencing of this serious offender shows Kent Police's determination to bring dangerous offenders to justice. Kent Police will continue to seek out those individuals who abuse children in this way and bring them to the courts."

Anyone who has been a victim of this type of crime can contact Kent Police in confidence on 01622 690690. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Calls are strictly confidential.