A dangerous paedophile, who groomed his victim while helping running a youth club in New Romney, has been given a 20 year sentence.

Disgraced Steven Holderness, 57, carried out a series of attacks including rapes in the 1990s, Canterbury Crown Court heard.

The former youth worker, who forced his victim to carry out a number of vile sex acts – wrote a letter to the sentencing judge.

But Judge Adele Williams told him: “I have read your letter and it’s clear you haven’t begun to understand the extent and serious harm you have caused.

“Nor have you shown any insight or remorse for these grave offences. You are a dangerous paedophile.

“You, in my judgement, pose a serious danger to children."

Holderness, who moved to the West Country, appeared in court for sentencing by video link to Dartmoor Prison where he is already serving a sentence for downloading indecent images.

"You are a dangerous paedophile. You, in my judgement, pose a serious danger to children" - Judge Adele Williams

Dressed in a grey and orange sweater, he sat unmoved in a chair inside prison as the judge heard how he enticed his victim with the offer of treats.

Helen McCormack, prosecuting, said the victim who was a very young child, was made to “feel special” while being groomed by the pervert.

In 2004, Holderness was given a 66 month extended sentence for indecent assaults and downloading illegal images of children.

He was also ordered to remain on the Sex Offender’s register for life by a judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

Then in February this year at Exeter Crown Court he was convicted again of making indecent images and jailed for two years.

Holderness had been banned from accessing child images on the web but was found with more than 1,000 on his computer.

He had moved to Devon after being released from a jail sentence for abusing boys of nine and ten during a trip to Denmark.

The court in Exeter heard how he had come to the attention of the police after ordering a DVD containing 300 illegal images of children.

The pervert had previously been a youth leader at Beaminster in Dorset, where a safeguarding inquiry was started after he was jailed in 2004.

Now after admitting 22 further sex offences, including rape and sex assaults he has been given an extended jail sentence.

He was jailed for 16 years and must now serve more than 10 years before he can even be considered for parole.

Judge Williams also added another four years which he would have to serve on licence when he is finally released.

She added: “I have no hesitation in concluding that you pose a significant risk of causing serious harm to children.”

The judge also made a Sexual Harm Prevention Order allowing police to monitor his online activities when he is freed.

Holderness, who had sat impassive throughout the 15 minute hearing, bowed his head and stared at the floor after the case had finished.