A elderly predator who preyed on a grief-stricken teenager while she mourned the loss of a loved-one has been locked up.

Raymond Bareham lured the girl – who was more than 50 years younger than him – to a nearby orchard where he carried out the first of a series of sex attacks.

The 76-year-old, of Sheerstone, Iwade, has been jailed for 18-and-a-half years for multiple rape and sex assault offences.

He was led away to the cells at Maidstone Crown Court after being told he will be in his late 80s before he will be eligible for release.

But as his victim sobbed in the public gallery, Bareham showed no pity for her.

Judge Oliver Saxby KC told him he had exploited the vulnerable teenager at a time when she was dealing with grief and then began asking about sex.

"You had isolated her from her friends and family and she had become reliant on you,” she said. “You would buy her gifts and treats. "

‘You totally lost touch of what is right and wrong...’

Married Bareham then began plying his victim with drink, claiming he was in love with her and saying the person she was grieving would approve of their affair.

The judge added: "In short, you deliberately, systematically, and without one shred of empathy, destroyed this vulnerable young girl’s late adolescence – exploiting her for your own sexual gratification.

"You totally lost touch of what is right and wrong – a state in which you remain, because you are too arrogant to admit the truth and too scared to face the person you have become."

The judge continued, saying Bareham had deliberately waited until she reached the age of consent before making his move - leaving her paralysed with fear.

He added: "This is not a situation where an elderly defendant is being sentenced for offences committed many years ago, when they were younger.

"You were aged 71, you knew what you were doing, and would have been fully aware of the jeopardy you were placing yourself in.”

After his offences came to the attention of the police, Bareham drove his victim to the station so she could retract her statement.

However, the jury didn’t believe him and convicted him of eight rape and sex assault charges and another of perverting the course of justice.

He had earlier admitted one sex charge and is now subject to a lifetime ban from contacting his victim.

After being led away, Judge Saxby addressed told Bareham’s victim she had shown herself to be "brave, intelligent and resourceful."