A paedophile who sexually assaulted a young girl over a seven-year period has been jailed for 14 years.

Joseph Whalebone, 78, carried out his campaign of abuse at a home in Margate and another property in south east London.

He was found guilty of three counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13 and one count of possessing extreme pornographic images.

Whalebone pleaded guilty to owning the 923 images and 66 videos - including pictures involving animals – at a previous hearing.

Judge James O'Mahony said the victim had stated "she wanted to die".

She disclosed the abuse to officers after trying to kill herself, the court heard and judge O'Mahoney added the girl suffered had "severe psychological harm".

Whalebone denied seven counts of sexual assault but was found guilty of three at a previous hearing.

He also denied three counts of raping the child and was found not guilty after a jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Dressed in a black top Whalebone, who spoke only to confirm his name, could be seen waving to friends and family as he was led away from the dock.