A judge has told the brave child victim of a sex attacker: "Now you know you have been believed".

The youngster feared in revealing details of the vile acts committed against her, she might face scepticism by the authorities.

But on the day her attacker was facing trial at Maidstone Crown Court he confessed and changed his plea.

Now Luke Stimson, a 40-year-old Tunbridge Wells businessman has been jailed for nine ears and 10 months for his perverted crimes.

He has also been put on the Sex Offender's Register for life and barred from working with children in the future.

The victim had sat in court with her mother just feet away from her attacker, shielded by a blue screen as details of his vile acts were detailed to the judge.

After ordering him down to the cells, Judge Philip Statman said: "From start to finish I have been impressed by her (the victim) level of co-operation and the courage she has shown in coming forward.

"And telling, at all material times, the truth of that which occurred. Now she can understand that she is believed. That is critical."

The judge added that he hoped that her bravery - together with her loving family - will help her in "the healing process".

Alcoholic Luke Stimson, who was downing two bottles of vodka, claimed the attacks were 'minor' and tried to deny they were sexual.

Prosecutor Sarah Ellis told how the victim told teachers about the attacks and the police were alerted.

Stimson of Cooper's Lane, Tunbridge Wells sold a successful food wholesale business last year.

He admitted a number of sexual offences - including possessing and distributing illegal child images - but denied a charge of rape and the prosecution dropped the case.

The attacks happened some years ago and Stimson put his head in his hand as the sickening details were outlined.

Ms Ellis said that when police probed the allegations they discovered he had also taken sex images on his mobile phone.

Police discovered 400 pages of messages he sent to a male friend "making it crystal clear this man's sexual desires", she added.

The victim, in a statement made about the impact of the crimes, told how she was left suffering nightmares and night terrors.

She said: "I will have to live with this forever. I will never forgive him... what he did (to me) was cruel and disgusting and I have been left empty, alone and broken."

Stimson also admitted driving while disqualified and twice breaching court orders.

The officer in the case DS Lisa Featherstone received a commendation from the judge for her "dogged" investigation in which she had left "no stone unturned" in tracking down the attacker.

Ms Ellis said that such was the confidence the officer had given the victim, the child felt able to reveal more details which helped in the successful prosecution.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells