by Keith Hunt

A pervert who raped a woman and sexually abused a boy has been jailed for 12 years.

Mark Rogers, of Robson Drive, Hoo, admitted two rape offences involving the woman and indecent assault, indecency with a child and sexual assault involving the boy.

He denied five charges of rape, two charges of sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, indecency with a child on the boy, rape and indecent assault on another boy and two charges of indecent assault on a woman.

Those charges were left on the court file.

A judge told the 45-year-old: "They are extremely serious offences and have quite clearly caused enormous distress and long-term damage.

"Anybody hearing the facts of the case can only sympathise with your victims for the damage they have suffered."

Andrew Collings, prosecuting, said Rogers started abusing the boy by getting him to perform sex acts and as it progressed told him it was "quite normal".

Mr Collings said of the victim at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday: "He has suffered tremendously psychologically."

Rogers tied the woman's hands behind her back and made her perform a sex act on him. She later told police how he looked very angry at the time.

When raping the woman, he threatened: "If you scream, I will kill you." Afterwards, he apologised.

Michael Haynes, defending, said Rogers had suffered mental illness and in his own mind believed the abuse was consensual.

"He was on medication," he said. "He was attempting suicide more than once. He was abused when he was younger. His mental condition may have had something to do with his inability to empathise with others."

Passing sentence, Judge Martin Joy said: "This course of conduct created an atmosphere of intimidation and dread. It is impossible to assess the psychological damage you have caused to others.

"These offences were committed against a background of force, aggression and threats. They represent a horrifying course of conduct."

Rogers' name will appear on the sex offenders' register for life.