A man has been jailed for 14 years for rape and the sexual abuse of young girls.

Abraham Lee, 49, of South Street, Canterbury, was said to have sexually indulged himself with little girls who had been left traumatised by his behaviour.

He appeared for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court having been convicted of eight offences of indecent assault, one offence of indecency with a child and rape.

Judge Adele Williams said Lee had been convicted on clear and compelling evidence. She had been told by Lee’s barrister, Christopher Sutton-Mattocks, that Lee still maintained his denials despite being convicted after trial in May, and Judge Williams said it was to be hoped that during his sentence, Lee would recognise his offending and seek help available to him in prison and on his release.

“There is no doubt you like to sexually indulge yourself with little girls, the evidence could not be clearer.”

The offences reached back to the 1980s.

Mr Sutton-Mattocks said Lee did not attempt to put forward any mitigation because he always maintained his denials.

Because of Lee’s stance, no remorse could be expressed on his behalf, said Mr Sutton-Mattocks.

He said Lee had led a pretty blameless life and his lack of education and ability to read and write had not prevented him working. He had a supportive family.

Lee will be subject of a sexual offences prevention order barring him from living in a household with a child under 16 or having such a child at his premises without a parent or guardian present, and on the sex offenders’ register for life. He was also banned from working with children.

At the end of the sentencing Judge Williams commended the investigating officers for their thorough and painstaking inquiry.