A prolific sex offender who first committed rape while just a teenager has now been sentenced to almost as many years behind bars as he has been alive.

Paedophile Ashley McAloren's latest jail term of 18 years for multiple rapes and attempted rapes takes his total tally to 26 - just two years less than his age.

The father-of-one first committed rape when he was 16, and within days had targeted his second young victim, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

His abuse of her only came to light after he was jailed in 2012 for six years for rape and gross indecency.

She later told police she did not want to land him in more trouble.

McAloren, formerly of Melville Court, Chatham, served three-and-half years but was never released as he was subsequently charged with another four offences of rape, four of attempted rape and one of assault by penetration.

On one occasion, in what Judge Julian Smith described as "an act of arrogance and depravity", he molested the girl in the presence of another child.

"The youngest victim feels desperate for the effect this has had on her family, a profound sense of guilt, and she feels, as she so eloquently puts it, lonely and different" - Judge Julian Smith

Prosecutor Tom Stern said his victim told police when interviewed last year: "I just done what he told me and thought if I listened to him he would stop."

The court heard his third victim came forward during the police investigation.

McAloren, 28, initially denied all the charges but eventually pleaded guilty to seven on the day his trial was due to start.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the mother of McAloren's second victim told of the traumatic impact it had had on their family.

The little girl's father broke down in tears when he heard McAloren had changed his pleas and his daughter would not have to go through the ordeal of giving evidence.

Two offences of rape were left on file.

McAloren could have been jailed for life but Judge Smith said that after careful consideration such a sentence was "too far" and the last resort.

However, having concluded "without hesitation" that McAloren was dangerous in the legal sense and posed a significant risk of serious harm, he imposed an extended sentence of 18 years in prison with an extended licence period of five years.

This means he will have to serve two-thirds before becoming eligible for parole. Once released he will then serve the remainder of his jail term on licence, plus a further five years.

Judge Smith said he had taken McAloren's age at the time of the offences and his guilty pleas into account when making his decision.

"It demonstrates that you can acknowledge guilt and wrong-doing, and it does temper my view of the risk you present."

However, he said the impact of his offending had had on his victims and their families was "almost unimaginable".

"These were terrible crimes that will surely have a long-lasting impact on those affected" - Det Con Dee Goddard

Of the youngest victim, Judge Smith said: "She feels desperate for the effect this has had on her family, a profound sense of guilt, and she feels, as she so eloquently puts it, lonely and different."

McAloren was also made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. He is already legally obliged by reason of his first conviction to sign on the sex offenders' register for life.

Paul Hogben, defending, said McAloren's decision to finally admit his guilt indicated a change in his thinking.

"He says he has had time to reflect and told the probation officer he felt ashamed and has an understanding of the harm he has caused his victims.

"He has shown a real motivation to deal with the problems he so clearly has."

After sentencing, Investigating officer Detective Constable Dee Goddard said: "These were terrible crimes that will surely have a long-lasting impact on those affected.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victims in this case who showed tremendous courage in coming forward and reporting what had happened to them.

"One of McAloren’s victims is still a child and has been incredibly brave throughout the investigation and court proceedings, as has her fellow victim.

"The offences committed date back more than 10 years but other sex offenders have been sentenced for crimes stretching back even further.

"The message is clear that no matter how long ago something happened, we will treat it seriously and investigate it thoroughly to ensure justice is served."