A porn addicted pervert who became a “devious sexual predator” and raped a young girl has been jailed for 15 years.

Robert Spindlow admitted pornography was a factor in his offending, which led to his victim suffering “huge” psychological harm and labelling him a “monster”.

The 56-year-old, of Marine Parade, Sheerness, pleaded guilty to three offences of rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Under the sentence for public protection, a judge having found him a continuing danger, he will have to serve two thirds – 10 years – before he can be considered for release and he will be on licence for a further five years.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes told Maidstone Crown Court that Spindlow started by touching the girl’s arm and leg and kissing her neck, and it then became more serious.

He told her: “If we get caught like this you will have me in prison.”

He told her to wear certain clothes, exposing her stomach, and put make-up on.

Mr Forbes said the victim was left in pain and sobbing after Spindlow raped her the first time. He became violent.

When accused of the offences, Spindlow apologised and declared: “I can’t live as a paedophile. It is sick. I can’t believe it. What have I got to look forward to? It would kill me in prison. What I have done is disgusting.”

When arrested at a supermarket car park in Sheerness he was drowsy from taking tablets.

He told police: “I don’t mind holding my hands up for something I have done. I don’t know why I did it.”

But Mr Forbes said Spindlow’s account was not accepted by the prosecution.

The victim said in a statement that she felt “broken”.

She added: “It didn’t just hurt physically, it left an imprint on my mind. I get panic attacks and bad dreams.

“I really hope someone does all the nasty things to him he has done to me. It doesn’t make me feel any better because he has pleaded guilty. He is just a monster.”

The girl’s mother said in a statement that Spindlow should stay in prison for life.

Ed Fowler, defending, said Spindlow was full of remorse and had made attempts at suicide.

He said: “He has lost everything. He is not likely to garner any sympathy. He faces many years in an alien environment. He found it terrifying. He only recently came off suicide watch.”

Judge Martin Joy told Spindlow: “These offences must have caused, and have caused, huge psychological harm. The effect is enormous. These offences take away the innocence of a child.

“They were committed for your sexual pleasure and are disgusting offences. Children can find it very difficult to trust again. One can only hope there will be closure for the victim.”

The judge said there was a disturbing pattern of viewing pornography and becoming preoccupied with sexual thoughts.

“I conclude you pose a significant risk to the public, particularly female children, of serious harm by the commission of further such offences,” added Judge Joy.

Spindlow’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register for life. A sexual harm prevention order was made.

A spokesman for children's charity the NSPCC said: "Spindlow subjected his young victim to horrific abuse but thanks to her bravery in speaking out, he is now behind bars.

"Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact and it is vital that Spindlow’s victim now receives the right support to help her move forward with her life.

"The NSPCC’s Letting the Future In service, which is offered at its Service Centre in Gillingham, helps sexually abused children aged four to 17 to understand and move on from their ordeal.

"Since launching in December 2011 it has directly helped 153 children. For more details about the service visit www.nspcc.org.uk"