A 52-year-old man has been found guilty of carrying out sexual attacks on four women in the Ashford area.

Jeremy Philip Smith was convicted of a total of 14 charges of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and assault at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard how between 2005 and 2010, Smith, of Pett Lane, Charing, committed the offences against four women.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Matt Banks, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: ‘Smith is a violent, sexually aggressive, controlling man who overpowered these women and subjected them to horrendous ordeals.

"I’m pleased the court has found him guilty. He poses a very real threat to any woman he comes into contact with."

Sentencing will take place in mid-August at Canterbury Crown Court.