A Thanet man has been jailed for 14 years after he was found guilty of abusing a child.

Darren Reynolds, 48, formerly of Margate Road, Broadstairs, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court today.

Reynolds abused a girl of primary school age on numerous occasions before she felt brave enough to report it to her mother in 2016.

She said she had been worried nobody would believe her and knew Reynolds would lie about it.

The abuse had been carried out over three years.

Following a Kent Police investigation, Reynolds was charged with engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child; causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity; and assaulting a girl under 13 by touching.

Reynolds denied the offences but following a trial the jury took just one hour to return with guilty verdicts on all three counts.

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison and must also spend an additional four years on licence.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jennifer Brightman said: "In court the judge said Reynolds was a dangerous individual and the sentence reflected that.

"I commend the victim for finding the courage to report it, and her family for their determination to support the case and see justice done.

"Child abusers like Reynolds depend on their victims being too young and too vulnerable as it helps keep their repulsive behaviour secret.

"They prey on the vulnerable and the effect they can have on their victims is devastating.

"Reynolds showed no remorse for what he had done and I am glad the jury saw through his lies."