A man who lured a teenage girl into a storeroom in a Sikh temple in Gravesend, with the aim of sexually assaulting her, has been jailed.

Gurpinder Singh Ghuman, 41, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment with intent to commit a sexual offence at Maidstone Crown Court.

The Strood resident spent Christmas behind bars – after being jailed for four-and-a-half years last Wednesday (December 23).

On Sunday, May 10, Ghuman seized his chance to assault his young victim - after asking her to hold open a door whilst he carried boxes into a storeroom in the Gurdwara.

Once she was inside the room, he shut the door and grabbed her around the mouth.

She tried to call for help, but was unable to release his hands. The girl eventually fought Ghuman off, and ran out of the storeroom.

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The girl did not know her attacker, and Kent Police officers carried out enquiries.

Ghuman was arrested on June 28 and later charged in connection with the incident.

Investigating officer PC Hollie Brown said: "This was a terrifying attack on a young girl, who has shown great bravery throughout the proceedings.

"Ghuman tricked his innocent victim into a room where he grabbed her around the mouth and attempted to sexually assault her.

"We carried out extensive enquiries to identify Ghuman, and I am pleased that he is now behind bars and away from the community."