A MAN who preyed on a young girl for his own sexual gratification has been jailed for 12 years.

Kevin Duffy, of Trinity Road, in Merseyside, was found guilty of seven of the eight offences put before Maidstone Crown Court.

Jurors heard how the 36-year-old indecently assaulted and had unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl for more than two and a half years between 1997 and 2001.

The offences took place in the Gravesend area when the girl was just four years old.

Following information received by police, Duffy was arrested in Merseyside on November 4 last year and later charged on January 5.

He was sentenced on October 18 after being found guilty of three counts of indecent assault and four counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13.

Detective Constable Naomi Moore, of the child abuse investigation unit, said: “Duffy is an evil man who preyed on this young girl for more than two years for his own sexual gratification.

"He committed a sustained campaign of abuse on the girl, who was only four years old.

“Duffy repeatedly and regularly sexually assaulted her without a thought for the harm and suffering he was causing.

“The success of this investigation would not have been possible without her bravery and she should be commended for her courage in coming forward to report these crimes."

She added: “I hope the sentence imposed today will allow the victim to continue to rebuild her life, knowing this man will remain in prison for some time.

"I also hope this sentencing will give past and present victims of these types of offences the confidence to come forward to report these crimes to Kent Police knowing those responsible will be brought to justice.”

A Sex Offenders Prevention Order will continue until further notice and Duffy will be required to sign the sex offenders register for life.