A pervert who preyed on a young girl before meeting her for sexual encounters has been jailed for five years under an extended sentence.

Using a false name, Craig Woodman, 31, contacted the 13-year-old schoolgirl on Facebook and by text messages before they had what was described as a "consensual relationship".

A judge told the father-of-two, of Wylie Road, Hoo: "I don't use the word grooming. It seems your victim required little in the way of persuasion. Your behaviour leading up to the commission of the offences is better described as predatory."

Woodman admitted sexual activity with a child and of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Woodman had sexual intercourse with the girl on three occasions. He did not use a condom and she feared she might be pregnant, but tests proved negative.

The girl did not want to disclose details about Woodman, but police traced him from his number being on her mobile phone.

Karen Holt, prosecuting, said Woodman had 11 pictures of the girl on his computer, taken from Facebook. Three photos on his mobile phone included one of her standing in front of a mirror in her bra and knickers.

He had told the girl he was only 17. She told him she was 14.

"I am told she certainly looks her age," said Miss Holt. "She doesn’t wear make-up."

Woodman had previous convictions for two sexual assaults on consecutive days. He was sentenced in 2007 to a community order, but was jailed for 84 days after the order was breached.

In 2008, he failed to comply with sex offender register obligations. His obligations ended three months after he committed the latest offences.

Miss Holt said Woodman told a probation officer he had a sexual fantasy, which led him to offend.

Craig Woodman was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said Woodman had told the girl he wanted to get her pregnant and run away with her.

The girl finally disclosed what was happening after a sharp-eyed teacher realised something was amiss. She told Woodman and he urged her to say nothing.

The judge said the effect on the victim was likely to be profound and long-lasting. She was particularly vulnerable, he said.

He was "bemused", he said, that a report stated there was a high risk of further offending, but that he did not meet the criteria for dangerousness.

"I conclude you do fall to be categorised as a dangerous offender," said Judge Griffith-Jones. "You are someone who is willing to behave in a devious and dishonest fashion in securing sexual satisfaction."

Woodman will be on licence for a further five years after the sentence ends.

His name will appear on the sex offenders' register and he is barred from working with children.

DC Nicola Griffith, from Kent Police, said: "I would like to recognise the courage of the victim who came forward to report the abuse, and assure others who have suffered similar acts, that the police will take your concerns seriously, and investigate thoroughly those who are suspected to be engaged in sexual exploitation."