A repeat sex offender who abused a young victim more than three decades ago while underage himself has been jailed.

Paul Perry, from Dartford, was found guilty of three counts of gross indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault.

The now 58-year-old abused his young victim in the 1980s, including while he was himself a juvenile.

Police launched an investigation after the offences were reported to them in 2019.

Perry, of Hilltop Gardens, who was the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order due to previous convictions, was arrested in December that year and was later charged.

He denied the offences but was jailed yesterday (July 16) after a jury found him guilty on all counts following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

In acknowledgement of Perry’s age when some of the offences were carried out, and the law at the time, he was given the maximum sentence of one year in prison and a year to be served on licence when he is released.

‘I hope it helps to bring some closure, knowing that Perry has been convicted for what he did...’

He has also been placed on the sex offender register for seven years.

Detective Sergeant Frank Bloomfield said: “No matter how long ago a crime took place, we will always listen to victims and strive to bring offenders before the courts to answer for their actions.

“It is never too late to report an offence and we have specially trained officers to deal with such cases.

“Perry’s crimes in this case may have been committed decades ago, but they had a significant impact on the victim, whose courage in coming forward should be commended.

“I hope it helps to bring some closure, knowing that Perry has been convicted for what he did.”