A “dangerous man with a predatory pattern of behaviour” who sexually abused a young girl has been jailed.

Ben Hanger, of St Agnes Gardens, Sheerness, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday (December 4) to four years in jail.

The 34-year-old had admitted a sexual assault against a girl under 13 and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

He was also ordered to serve an additional five years on licence.

Hanger abused the young girl at a property in Gillingham between 2016 and 2017 and the offences were reported to Kent Police in 2021.

He was arrested at HMP Elmley, where he is already serving a 15-year extended sentence after he was convicted in a different trial in December 2022.

He was jailed then after he attempted to kidnap a schoolgirl in January 2021.

The latest sentence will be added to his total he has to serve.

Detective Constable Thabi Hollingsworth said: “Hanger is a dangerous man with a predatory pattern of behaviour, and I’m pleased he has been sentenced accordingly.

“He scared his young victim and told her to keep quiet but I want to commend her bravery in reporting his offending and ensuring that he was held accountable.

“Kent Police will always investigate reports of sexual abuse and there are specially trained officers who will ensure investigations are carried out diligently and sensitively.

“‘I would encourage anyone who wishes to report similar offending to do so and to ensure an investigation can be started and perpetrators can be held to account.”