A pensioner whose sex abuse of children went undetected for more than 30 years has been jailed for three-and-a-quarter years.

A judge told 73-year-old Eric Kerry, of Glebe Lane, Sittingbourne: “You targeted children and you got away with it for most of your life.”

He also sexually assaulted a woman in 2013, which Recorder David Jeremy QC said demonstrated the “arrogance and flagrance” with which he was prepared to treat those who were vulnerable to him.

Kerry denied five charges of sexual assault, four of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child.

He was convicted in November of one offence of indecency with a child, one of sexual assault and one of indecent assault.

The jury could not reach verdicts on one charge of indecent assault and two of sexual assault and no further evidence was offered.

"It is sad to see a man of your age standing in the dock facing sentence..." - Recorder David Jeremy QC

He was acquitted of the other charges, one of which involved an allegation he molested a one-year-old baby 10 years ago.

Maidstone Crown Court heard on Friday when Kerry appeared for sentence that he still maintained his innocence.

Because he has a learning disability which affects his ability to communicate and concentrate, Kerry was assisted in the dock by a speech therapist.

Prosecutor Hugh Forgan said the child sexual abuse caused great distress at the time but was not reported.

The offences he was convicted of involved him getting a young girl to perform a sex act on him and molesting another girl at a swimming pool.

In the most recent offence, he touched the thighs and stomach of a vulnerable woman.

When arrested in May last year, Kerry denied there was any inappropriate behaviour. He did not give evidence at his trial.

He was given a conditional discharge in 2005 for indecent exposure.

Danny Moore, defending, said Kerry suffered from epilepsy and was the principal carer for his disabled wife.

Mr Moore said Kerry’s ill-health and learning disabilities would make him vulnerable to bullying in prison.

“Any period in custody is going to be very difficult indeed,” he added.

Recorder Jeremy told Kerry: “It is sad to see a man of your age standing in the dock facing sentence.”

Kerry’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register and a sexual offences prevention order was made, both indefinitely.

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