A rapist, who went on the run after being arrested for sex offences, was found hiding in a loft, a court has heard.

Michael Wiles had tried to commit suicide after taking an overdose of diabetic tablets but was rescued.

Now the 59-year-old, from Wellesley Road, Margate has now been jailed for 11 years for a series of appalling attacks on two victims.

Judge Heather Norton told him he had caused “heartache and misery” to the girls which “may never ever go away”.

Ms Siobhan Molloy, prosecuting told how after complaints had been made to police Wyles “went missing”.

“He was later discovered after concealing himself in a loft after taking an overdose," she added.

Dominic Webber, defending, told the judge that Wiles, who admitted 10 sex charges including rape, was now “deeply sorry for what he has done”.

He received jail sentences totalling 50 years but the judge ruled most to run concurrently with each other, with an overall sentence of 11 years.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for life and banned from being in the company of under 16 year olds - except under stringent conditions.

One of his victims sat in the public gallery to watch the sentencing hearing but Wiles looked away during the 30 minute hearing and never made eye contact.

Afterwards, Judge Norton praised her "not just for attending court, but also for seeing it through to the end".

As the victim left, the judge told her: "Good luck for the future."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sue Kingsnorth said: "No child should ever have to be subjected to the abuse Wiles carried out on his victims. He took advantage of them and thought he would get away with it.

"I commend the victims for their bravery in speaking up and reporting it. I hope they feel confident that they have done the right thing and Wiles is unable to target anyone else."