A “manipulative” sexual predator who abused his young victim on multiple occasions has been jailed.

Aaron Stevens, formerly of Newbridge Avenue, Sittingbourne, was convicted of 15 offences following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigators became aware of Stevens’ crimes in May 2018 after it was reported to police that he had boasted of them online.

The 27-year-old was then arrested at his home and, following a complex investigation by specialist detectives from Kent Police, was later charged.

He denied all the charges against him, but a jury unanimously found him guilty of sexual assault of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to communicate sexually with a child, possession and distribution of indecent images of a child and indecent exposure.

Stevens was sentenced on Tuesday (July 8) to 13 years’ imprisonment and will spend an extra four years on licence.

He has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was ordered to comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Detective Sergeant Fleur Hardie said: “The depravity of Stevens’ actions is appalling, and it is right that this manipulative sexual predator is now behind bars.

“I am also pleased that the SHPO he has been issued will protect against future crimes being committed, restricting the offender’s behaviour to prevent vulnerable people from becoming victims.

“I would like to praise the courage of the young victim in this case and the witnesses whose evidence helped secure Stevens’ conviction and lengthy sentence.

“We will always strive to bring dangerous sexual offenders before the courts to face justice.”