A pensioner who sexually abused a young girl while plying her with extravagant presents has been jailed for 12 years.

Raymond Bell was told by a judge: “This is an awful and wicked case and deserves significant punishment.”

The 66-year-old, of North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, admitted 12 offences of sexual assault.

He denied two charges of attempted rape and one of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and they were left on file.

Prosecutor Deborah Charles said Bell made threats to the victim that she should not tell anyone or he would “get shot” and go to jail.

There was touching over and under clothing, making her feel uncomfortable. The assaults became more serious with Bell lying naked on top of her.

Miss Charles said on one occasion Bell used violence by picking the girl up and throwing her onto a bed as she cried and struggled. He then forced her to take her clothes off.

“He would buy her sweets to buy her silence,” Miss Charles told Maidstone Crown Court.

Bell also took photos of him with his hand under the girl’s clothes.

When interviewed, he claimed the victim had made it all up.

Miss Charles said there were also six images of girls aged eight to 14 on Bell’s computer.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC said the offences involved grooming in the form of buying the victim extravagant presents.

“There has been a significant impact on the complainant and her family,” he added.

“This defendant has a lack of insight. He blames his victim and shows self-pity.

“This was protracted offending and planned.”

Bell’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and he will be barred from working with children.

“This defendant has a lack of insight. He blames his victim and shows self-pity.

“This was protracted offending and planned” - Judge Charles Macdonald

PC Lisa Roots, who led the investigation, said: “Bell was calculated in the abuse of his victim and I’m pleased the court has recognised the severity of his actions.

The lengthy sentence imposed sends a clear message to anyone else who abuses children for their own sexual gratification.

“I would like to thank the victim, who showed tremendous courage in speaking out and reporting his terrible crimes.

"Her bravery allowed us to able to take swift action against Bell and ultimately secure a conviction against him. I hope that all those involved can now begin to move on with their lives.”