A paedophile pensioner has been locked up for more than 13 years after a jury found him guilty of raping a young child.

John Eyre, from Goudhurst, had denied carrying out a string of sexual offences between June 2008 and June 2010, but was found guilty following a trial.

Allegations of abuse were first reported to Kent Police last year, leading to the arrest of the 73-year-old on February 27, 2017.

Eyre, of North Road, was subsequently charged and appeared before Maidstone Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to rape, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and a further count of sexual assault of a child.

The case went to trial and today a jury convicted him by unanimous verdict.

Eyre was then sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison.

He was also added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and an order was passed barring him from working with children.

Detective Constable Deniz Aslan said: "Eyre abused a child too young to understand the gravity of what was happening and by completely denying all the allegations has then subsequently forced his victim to endure a court trial.

"He now faces a long time in prison and I do hope the victim can take some comfort that justice has at least been served.

"I would also like to remind anyone who is suffering or has suffered sexual abuse that we will investigate allegations thoroughly and sensitively.

"Victims and their families should have confidence that we will do everything in our power to put offenders before the courts."