A man has been jailed for 16 years after he subjected a child to repeated sexual abuse.

John Wheeler committed a series of sexual offences in North Kent which were first reported to Kent Police in 2016.

The 41-year-old was charged with 10 sexual offences against a child and possessing and making indecent images of children.

A jury found him guilty of eight of the charges, including one count of rape, following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

He was sentenced on Wednesday.

Wheeler, of Doomgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, was also added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Fleur Hardie, Kent Police’s investigating officer for the case, said: "Wheeler is a vile predator who continued to deny that he had repeatedly abused a child even though there was considerable evidence to the contrary.

"These awful offences may have stretched back for a long period of time and we may never know exactly how long this abuse went on for.

"We are committed to investigating these types of offences, treating each individual case with sensitivity and care, and doing everything we can to pursue justice for the victim.

"I would like to praise the victim for their bravery and hope this outcome encourages other victims of sexual abuse to come forward."

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