A Whitstable pensioner has been sent to prison for sex offences against a child committed almost 40 years ago.

Ronald Hayes, who is now 85, thought his dark secrets – which were carried out in the early 1970s - had been buried in the past.

But Canterbury Crown Court heard how a friend of the victim had the courage to report the attacks – and Hayes is now serving a four year jail term.

Hayes, of Plough Lane, Whitstable pleaded guilty to eight charges of indecently assaulting the child.

Prosecutor Paul Valder said that when he was arrested Hayes refused to answer questions from detectives.

He said that had Hayes been charged in the 1970s the maximum sentence would have been two years.

The same charge now carries a maximum term of 13 years, the prosecutor added.

Simon Taylor, defending, said the behaviour of Hayes, who had been married for 63 years, only came to light in 2016.

“He is now regretful and feels remorse. This is a rare case where he has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity- that’s evidence of his genuine remorse.

“He is a man who has never had convictions before or after these offences.

Chris Cloke, NSPCC’s head of safeguarding in communities, said: “Hayes’s depraved crimes went undetected for almost four decades.

“However, thanks to the victim’s friend speaking out about the abuse the victim had suffered at his hands justice has finally been served.

“While Hayes admitted his offences in court, his acknowledgement of guilt will be of little comfort to his victim as the abuse he subjected her to will have had a significant impact on her life in the years since it took place.

“It is absolutely right that people who suffered child sexual abuse can seek justice and support no matter how much time has passed since their ordeal.

“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 childline.org.uk.”