A pervert who was spared jail for a sexual assault more than 30 years ago has now been jailed for 14 years for abuse of another young girl.

Under an extended sentence for public protection, Martin Tenwick will have to serve two-thirds of the sentence before he will be considered for release. He will be on licence for a further eight years.

The disabled married father, of Nautilus Close, Minster, admitted two charges of rape, two of indecent assault and another serious sexual offence, dating back more than 25 years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he groomed the victim by giving her treats and told her it was their “little secret”. He added she would not be believed if she did tell anybody.

Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson said Tenwick even tried to put some blame on the girl by claiming she “quite often came on to him”.

"I would like to thank the victim for the bravery she showed in coming forward and would encourage anyone who is experiencing, or has experienced, a similar situation to get in touch" - Steve Rees

“It is difficult to comprehend the scale of the abuse he subjected her to,” he continued. “He would buy her CDs and treats to persuade her to keep their little secret.

“She would ask him not to rape her but he carried on regardless, ignoring her pleas to stop.”

When Tenwick, who walks with the aid of two sticks, was arrested in July last year he made frank admissions, expressed remorse and said he had been having counselling.

In her impact statement, the victim told how she was left “a mess” from her ordeal.

“The offending had a profound effect on her ability to trust people, relationships and self-belief,” said Mr Stevenson.

“She felt dirty and violated and it caused her to self-harm and attempt suicide. She has sought counselling and has been on anti-depressants.”

Tenwick, who has arthritis and gout, was given a suspended sentence after being convicted of indecent assault on a girl under 16 in July 1984.

His wife was in court to see him sentenced for the latest offending.

Catherine Donnelly, defending, said his best mitigation was his honesty on arrest.

Judge Martin Joy said the impact on the victim had been “massive”.

Tenwick’s name will appear indefinitely on the sex offenders’ register. A sexual harm prevention order was made.

Steve Rees, detective constable of the Swale Vulnerability Investigation Unit, said: "Tenwick targeted the girl while she was at a young age and continued to sexually abuse her over the course of several years.

"He pursued his own selfish interests without concern or thought for the impact it would have on the victim, and it was only after his arrest that he expressed remorse and admitted to his crimes.

"I would like to personally thank the victim for the bravery she showed in coming forward and would encourage anyone who is experiencing, or has experienced, a similar situation to get in touch.

"You will be believed and you will have our support."