A man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a young girl over a period of several years - from when she was just six.

Aron Scott, 27, from Thanet, began his campaign of abuse more than a decade ago.

When his victim was just six-years-old, he would encourage her to engage in sexual acts.

The offences continued when she was in her early teens and Scott raped her on a number of occasions.

His victim later told her family about Scott's behaviour, and they contacted Kent Police in 2020.

Her disclosures led to an investigation by the East Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, who charged Scott with multiple sexual offences in September 2021.

Scott, of Birds Avenue, Margate, later admitted 12 charges including rape of a child, sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

"The impact on his victim is difficult to underestimate..."

On May 11, he was jailed for a total of 10 years and 10 months.

An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed to prevent future offences following his release.

Det Con Susan Kingsnorth, Kent Police's investigating officer, said: "These offences began when Scott was a child himself, but continued well in his adulthood.

"The impact on his victim is difficult to underestimate and I would like to praise her for telling her family and then supporting us as we built the case that has now seen Scott jailed for a significant period of time.

"I would urge anyone who is being or has been sexually abused, or anyone who knows of a child they fear may be the victim of such offences, to contact police immediately.

"We will take action to protect the victim and bring any offenders to justice."