A drama teacher labelled "narcissistic and devious" by a judge has avoided jail for sex offences against a teenage girl.

Peter Spence, 23, of Southfleet Road, Swanscombe, was given an 18-month sentence - suspended for two years - for his crimes.

He had denied meeting a child following sexual grooming and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, but was convicted by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court in August.

He returned to the court today to be sentenced for his crimes.

Spence must also attend a programme to address his sexual behaviour and sign on the sex offenders' register.

He was made subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which will last seven years.

At his trial, the court heard the girl told police Spence contacted her on Facebook and they talked on Skype and messages became flirty. He eventually suggested they met up.

"In my judgement your defining characteristics are immaturity, narcissism and deviousness and manipulation. Above all of this was your immaturity..." - Recorder David Jeremy QC

Spence told her he loved her and that he would wait for her until she was 16.

She said the most that happened was they had kissed, and she wanted it to happen.

They had also gone on a camping trip together and stayed overnight.

They kissed and cuddled. Spence invited the girl to his home but she did not go.

A statement from the girl's mother said that the family's life had been "turned upside down" by Spence's actions.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes said: "What is evident is that this child was significantly affected, there were problems with her relationship with her mother because of the secrecy there had been."

Spence claimed at his trial an impersonator was responsible for sexual banter with the girl on Skype and that his computer could have been hacked.

Passing sentence Recorder David Jeremy QC said: "His defence was utterly ludicrous, as was very obvious, and anyone who encouraged him to contest this willingly, knowing the evidence, was not performing a service to him."

Spence recently became a father and Mr Jeremy said that he believed the best place for Spence to be rehabilitated would be within in his family.

However, he described Spence as immature and devious.

He said: "In my judgement your defining characteristics are immaturity, narcissism and deviousness and manipulation. Above all of this was your immaturity.

"It was your immaturity, narcissism and deviousness, that led to you failing to realise quite how inappropriate it was."