by Keith Hunt

A middle-aged man has been jailed for three-and-half years for having under-age sex with a teenage girl.

Steven Aldus developed a relationship with the 15-year-old girl after sending her explicit texts, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Robin Sellers, prosecuting, said it was revealed that 49-year-old Aldus had sexual intercourse with the girl on four occasions after her mother saw the texts.

Aldus, who lived in a caravan at The Stables, Barrow Green, Teynham, claimed he met the victim in an orchard.

Mr Sellers said a grooming charge had been considered but it “did not make its way onto the indictment”.

Leslie Manley, defending, said Aldus, who admitted sexual activity with a child, had been reluctant to accept the relationship was sexual.

“There was no real case against him,” she said. “He has made these admissions honestly and frankly.

"It is quite possible the case against him might not have been proved.

“He recognises now things should not have gone as far as they did.

"There is no indication she was unwilling in any respect.”

Miss Manley added: “He lives a lonely life. He has animals. He doesn’t really know what life holds when released.

"He has lost his home. This is a big stigma.”

Mr Recorder Cairns Nelson QC said the offence was aggravated by the difference in age.

A sexual offences prevention order was imposed and Aldus’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register.