A “dangerous offender” has been jailed for 16 years for a series of “depraved and sickening” sex offences and rapes against children as young as four-years-old.

Grant Venamore was sentenced after he raped and abused two victims in Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood in incidents which began in the 1990s, when one of the victims was only four.

Sentencing Venamore yesterday (June 18) at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Philip Statman branded him “a dangerous offender, who had been responsible for “persistent, violent sexual abuse”.

The 48-year-old was told he will have to serve at least two thirds of his prison sentence before he can be considered for parole.

Upon his eventual release from custody he will be the subject of an extended licence period of three years and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Venamore was arrested in August 2020, when reports of abuse were first made to Kent Police.

A subsequent investigation revealed he was responsible for a catalogue of offences spanning more than 15 years.

Venamore, of London Road, Croydon, denied any wrongdoing and the case went to trial at Maidstone Crown Court where he was found guilty, by a unanimous verdict, of 11 counts relating to the sexual abuse of children, including multiple rapes.

Detective Constable Tania Muller, of the West Kent Child Protection Team, said: “Venamore repeatedly subjected his young victims to depraved and sickening abuse, causing incalculable damage upon their young lives.

“His actions have not only had a destructive effect upon their childhoods but will have sadly left a damaging and lasting impact on their adult lives.

“It has taken enormous strength and courage for these victims to come forward and provide the evidence and testimony needed to ensure Venamore has now faced justice for these abhorrent crimes.

“his sentence will ensure Venamore serves a long time in prison and importantly no longer poses a threat to any other children.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual offence to remember that it is never too late to report this to the police.

“We have a team of specialist officers who work relentlessly to ensure that offenders like Venamore do not evade justice, just because a crime may have happened a long time ago. We will always treat any information with the upmost confidence and sensitivity.”