The father of a young girl sexually abused by a former Whitstable firefighter has told of the pain caused by the “disgusting crimes”.

The distraught dad – who can’t be named for legal reasons – said: “I feel a great deal of anger for what he has done to my daughter”.

Alan Longuet, 78, was jailed for a total of 68 months after admitting sex offences – including downloading vile sex images of children.

The evil pervert, of Meadow Walk, Whitstable, tried to claim his victim’s harrowing sex ordeal had been invented.

But a jury at Canterbury Crown Court rejected his account and convicted him of a serious sexual offence.

Judge Heather Norton, said: “The mitigation is that you have been of previous good character for much of your life and the fact that you are now 78.

“Nevertheless, you contested the trial causing the girl to give evidence and that has caused her and her family significant stress and anxiety. You have maintained throughout that it was untrue and made up.”

Longuet, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to downloading 312 indecent images of children.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, the girl’s father said: “His actions have had a detrimental effect on the life of our family. For the past 18 months we have been living in turmoil.

“I feel a great deal of anger for what he has done to my daughter.

“He should be punished to the full extent for the most disgusting of crimes.

“I have found this whole process very hard to deal with and have sought solace from friends.

“I feel a great deal of anger for what he has done to my daughter" - the victim's father

“I still worry for my daughter and the effects this might have on my daughter forming relationships in the future.

“I hope he will realise the pain he has caused with a lengthy stretch in prison getting, in my view, what he deserves.”

Judge Norton added: “It is abundantly clear to me that you have a sexual interest in young children.

“The only people who can’t recognise that are you yourself and your immediate family. You remain a risk to children.”