A Swanscombe drama teacher has avoided jail for sex offences against a teenage girl.

Peter Spence, aged 23, of Southfleet Road was given an 18-month sentence - suspended for two years - for his crimes.

He had denied meeting a child following sexual grooming and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, but was convicted by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court in August.

During sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on October 17, Spence was ordered to attend a programme to address his sexual behaviour and sign on the sex offenders' register.

He was made subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which will last seven years.

A statement from the girl's mother said that the family's life had been "turned upside down" by Spence's actions.