Paul Read, formerly of Morehall Avenue, was arrested on 17 December 2021 after officers were made aware that the girl had been sexually assaulted earlier that month.

It was disclosed shortly afterwards that Read, now 40, had also raped the victim during an ordeal that took place at her home.

An investigation by Kent Police led to Read being charged with two sexual offences in relation to the incident and, following a trial, Read was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

He was sentenced to 11 years in jail at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 5 July 2024.

Detective Constable Gemma Chadwick, of East Kent’s Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: ‘Read has shown no remorse for his actions and did not admit his crimes, meaning the case went to trial. I commend the victim for her courage, which has seen Read convicted and put behind bars, and I hope the custodial sentence that has been imposed will offer her some closure.

‘We will continue to strive to bring sexual offenders before the courts to face justice.’

Find out how Kent Police is tackling violence against women and girls here.