A sex attacker from Medway has been jailed after being found guilty of raping a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.

John Tracey, 42, subjected the 14-year-old to a horrific ordeal after plying her with alcohol in Lancashire in 1996.

He was jailed for 10 years at Preston Crown Court after being found guilty of rape.

Tracey, of Station Road, Rainham, gave the girl alcohol before he raped her in his flat in Thornton, near Blackpoool, in November that year.

He was arrested by police in 2015, after a woman told police Tracey had attacked her when he was younger, and he was charged with the offence last year.

After sentencing, DC Emma Shuttleworth of Lancashire Police said: “Tracey is clearly a predatory man who overpowered his victim at a former address in Thornton and subjected her to a horrific ordeal.

“The victim has shown a tremendous amount of courage throughout this investigation and subsequent trial and I hope the result will allow her to begin to put this ordeal behind her and move forward with her life.”

Tracey also has a previously been convicted of raping a girl aged 12 in 2003.

An NSPCC spokesman added: “Tracey is clearly a predatory paedophile who has finally been brought to justice 20 years after his despicable crime.

“He has shown no remorse for the horrendous attack and by denying his actions he subjected his victim to the ordeal of a trial. It is right that he faces such a lengthy sentence.

“It is vitally important that victims of abuse have the confidence to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, so abusers can be brought to justice. It is never too late.”

Adults with any issues or concerns can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111, or get help online at www.childline.org.uk.