A judge has ordered an investigation into why a child abuse victim’s complaint was not “properly investigated” five years before her attacker was eventually convicted.

Heather Norton described the situation as “deeply disturbing” as she sentenced Gary Teague, from Ramsgate, to 22-and-a-half years in prison for a series of sex attacks on five children.

The 58-year-old had already been jailed for 27 months last year for filming girls for his sexual pleasure.

Now he has been convicted by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court of attacking other children as young as three.

After the guilty verdicts on 13 sex charges, Judge Norton revealed to the jury that one of the children had reported in 2012 that she had been the victim of a sex attack.

Judge Norton said: “I am very concerned about how it is that this allegation was not properly investigated at that time.”

The judge said there is no suggestion other victims were sexually abused as a result but added that children were at risk for a number of years.

“That fact is deeply disturbing and I would like an explanation why her claim was not followed through,” she said.

“And I would like an explanation from the Crown Prosecution Service as to why when (other) allegations were already under investigation, the complaints against just two of the victims were tried – and not all of them together.

“That could have had a severe impact on decisions of juries and could have had a severe impact on justice. It was a gross miscalculation. I need an answer by the end of January."

Det Sgt Paul Deslandes said today: "Kent Police carried out a thorough investigation into Gary Teague in 2012.

"However, at that time there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution.

"Subsequently more evidence came to light, the investigation was re-opened, and Teague was charged and successfully convicted."

In last year’s trial, the jury had heard how Teague was caught secretly filming children bathing.

The paedophile, who was regarded as a “kind, devoted family man”, had stored the vile footage on his personal computer.

A jury rejected his account and convicted him on two charges of voyeurism.

Teague was also found guilty of inciting a child to carry out a sex act and was jailed for 27 months.

When one of his victims threatened to reveal his secrets, she was told that she would not be believed because she was just a child.

Judge Norton told Teague: “Your victims were vulnerable. There was a considerable degree of planning in this case.

“I heard from a number of people who know you. Their observations of you are that you are kind, hard-working and a devoted family man.

“They are shocked at the allegations and have found them difficult to believe. “

After the trial, Teague faced the new allegations involving children as young as three, which he also denied.

He was given an immediate jail sentence of 22-and-a-half years, with an additional four years to serve on licence.

He was also placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and given a restraining order banning him from contacting his victims.

Later Judge Norton praised the victims for their “strength and integrity” and spoke to one who sat in the public gallery.

She told her: “None of this was your fault. None. I truly hope you and others will get the help you need and deserve and receive a peaceful Christmas.”

Investigating officer DC Jenny Brightman said: “Teague callously told his victims they wouldn’t be believed and that they would be in trouble if they told anyone what had happened,” she said.

“Throughout this investigation he denied any wrongdoing, claiming the children had made up the allegations, even though their stories were consistent.

“They will undoubtedly carry the emotional scars of his abuse for the rest of their lives, yet they showed tremendous courage in giving evidence against him.

“Kent Police takes all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they took place. We have teams of specialist officers who work tirelessly to ensure that offenders do not evade justice.

“I hope other victims of this type of abuse will have the confidence to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with the utmost care and understanding.

“I also hope that this substantial sentence shows offenders just how seriously the courts take sexual offences against children.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “It takes a lot of courage for sexual abuse victims to speak out about their ordeal. So when they do finally break the silence it is vital that they are listened to and that their case is thoroughly investigated.

“Abuse ruins childhoods and its effects can last into adulthood, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

“The NSPCC’s Letting the Future In service at the charity’s Gillingham service centre helps sexually abused children recover from their emotional trauma. Since launching it has directly helped more than 150 local children attempt to move on from their ordeal.”

Anyone who is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111 or get help online via www.childline.org.uk

For more information about the NSPCC’s Letting The Future In service visit www.nspcc.org.uk