An elderly paedophile from Sydenham who sexually assaulted a young child has been jailed for three years after confessing to his crimes in church.

Mark Barnard, 76, was jailed for three years earlier this week after being convicted of two charges of sexual assault.

The pensioner was arrested in July last year after he confessed to one of the offences at his local church.

Members of the church then contacted the Metropolitan Police.

Barnard also sent a confession letter to a relative of the victim in an attempt to apologise.

Detective Sergeant Nick Fullerton of Kent Police’s Public Protection Unit said: “I can’t emphasise how important it is for people to contact us if they know of, or suspect of any sexual offences.

“The child protection teams at Kent Police rigorously investigate offences against children and take their welfare extremely seriously.

“On this occasion thankfully Barnard has been punished for his deplorable actions and I would like to thank the victim and their family for having the strength and courage to support this prosecution.”

Barnard, of Hall Drive, pleaded guilty to the charges at Maidstone Crown Court.