A paedophile has been jailed after years of abusing his position of trust with a Dartford child to engage in sexual activity with her.

Ronnie Shephard forcibly kissed, intimately touched, exposed himself, and pressed himself against the teen girl regularly over a three year period.

Between 2004 and 2006 the man would target the teenager when she was isolated from friends and family, such as when driving her home from a gig.

His actions became so persistent that the young girl ultimately saw his behaviour as normal.

It wasn’t until 2016 that she reported his offences to police and officers made their move to arrest the child predator.

Shephard, of The Ridge West in St Leonards on Sea in East Sussex, was taken to Maidstone Crown Court to face the consequences of his actions.

Now 66 years old, Shephard pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child on April 13 and was jailed for 15 months. He was also added to the sex offenders register for seven years.

Detective Constable Fleur Hardie, investigating officer, said: ‘Shephard held a position of trust and used it to take advantage of and sexually abuse a young girl.

“I’d like to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting his offences and ensuring that he answers for his crimes.

“No matter how long ago the crime occurred, whether it was yesterday or decades previously, if you have been a victim of sexual abuse please get in touch, you will have our full support.”