A car mechanic who groomed and raped a girl at his mother's home has been jailed.

Frederick Skinner, of Goldcrest Way, New Addington, raped and sexually assaulted the child several times over the course of a year and warned the girl not to tell anyone.

The 59-year-old began grooming the girl when she was 12.

When the victim was 13 years old Skinner persuaded her to go with him to Keston Ponds, where he took her into the woods and sexually assaulted her. He then told the girl not to tell anyone or they would both be in trouble as he took her home.

The victim said she was scared and kept the sexual assault to herself.

Skinner then continued to rape and sexually assault the victim in his van and his mother’s home regularly and each time warned her not to tell anyone.

But messages from Skinner were found on the girl’s phone by a member of her family who later challenged him about them. The police were called soon afterwards and an investigation was launched.

Skinner was arrested and his van seized for examination where forensic officers found DNA from him and the victim on the vehicle's carpet.

In police interviews Skinner denied all offences, but he was found guilty of three counts of rape and five counts of sexual assault at Woolwich Crown Court at two trials, one in July and the second in October.

He was then sentenced to 16-years imprisonment on Tuesday, November 22.

Detective Constable Ken Tran of the sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command, said: "A dangerous child rapist has been put behind bars.

"The victim has shown great courage in coming forward and disclosing the details of Skinner's despicable crimes and I hope that this sentence can assist in some small way in helping her to move forward with her life."

“Skinner’s calculating behaviour led to his victim feeling isolated and fearful. By hiding behind a position of trust, he was able to continue his manipulative behaviour for too long."