A child rapist has been given a 21-year jail sentence - more than a decade after authorities dropped similar charges against him.

Former Dymchurch shopkeeper John Stageman – who once drove around in a flash Ferrari – walked free in 2005 after a court ruled he was not fit to stand trial.

But a courageous woman then reported the evil predator for carrying out sickening acts when she was a child.

He then used his power over her to rape her again years later when she was an adult – warning her against reporting it to police by saying he had links to the underworld.

And when he knew he couldn’t dodge another trial, he fled to Thailand and stayed out of the reach of the police for three years until his visa ran out and he was deported.

Even then he dragged out the legal process for months with claims of heart attacks, dementia and loss of memory – until a GP ruled he was just “pulling the wool” over their eyes.

The 74-year-old tycoon – who still owns property in the Far East – has now been locked up after a jury convicted him on eight sex offences.

Judge Heather Norton told him his luck had finally ran out after a psychiatrist ruled it was the “worst case of malingering” he had ever come across.

“The expert didn’t believe your health claims and the jury didn’t believe your lies."

His brave victim sat in the public gallery – turning down an opportunity to be shielded from the view of the paedophile.

He was given an 18-year jail term - and told he cannot apply for parole until he is 86 - with the judge adding three more years to be served on licence if he is ever released.

In 2005, the pervert, who now lives in Paignton in Devon, walked free after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all the charges against him.

"The expert didn't believe your health claims and the jury didn't believe your lies" - Judge Heather Norton

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court had ruled he was unfit to stand trial because of his mental and physical state and he was formally acquitted.

In 2012, after fresh allegations, the police called him in for questioning but he fled abroad and for three years – as prosecution lawyers attempted to get him extradited – he stayed in a country where Gary Glitter and other paedophiles had sought refuge.

It was only when his visa ran out that the Thai authorities threw him out and he was arrested when he landed back in the UK.

Stageman – who ran a gift arcade and a bed and breakfast hotel in the 1970s and 80s – sat shaking his head and arrogantly looking at the court ceiling as a victim impact statement from the woman was read to court.

His tragic victim revealed she still suffered nightmares from his abuse and after Stageman went to the cells, Judge Norton praised her for her courage and commitment to the trial.

After the sentencing, investigating officer, Detective Constable Paris Cook, said: "Stageman is a dangerous individual who subjected his victim to terrible things no child should have to endure. He made her so afraid to report it, it was only later in life she felt she could come forward.

"Even then Stageman showed what a despicable person he was by moving abroad to evade arrest and try to escape facing up to his immoral and illegal deeds.

"Which is why the victim should be commended for her bravery in reporting these offences. Officers were determined that she should get justice and we thank her for supporting the investigation and the subsequent court case.

"I would also like to thank colleagues in the NCA for their co-operation in locating Stageman overseas."

Matt Sutton from the National Crime Agency said: "Working alongside Kent Police and the Thai authorities, the NCA's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre Command and International Liaison officers were able to track Stageman down to Thailand where he was hiding.

"We will continue our to work to ensure travelling sex offenders face justice, and that children are safeguarded wherever they are."

A spokesman for the NSPCC added: “This is a truly shocking case. Stageman’s despicable, predatory actions show nothing but contempt for his victim and in running away he has tried to evade the justice she deserved.

"His victim has been incredibly brave in speaking out after all this time and her story shows that victims will be believed and action taken, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

"Telling someone is the key to getting help and support and putting their life back on the right track."