A Whitstable man has been jailed for 16 years for what a judge described as "the most appalling and gravest" sexual abuse of young boys.

Michael Snyder, 69, of Regent Street, Whitstable, admitted 15 sex offences dating back more than 40 years.

Eight of the offences related to incidents which took place in Whitstable and Brixton. The other seven offences were in relation to incidents in Surrey.

Judge James O’Mahony told him: "Today your offences would be described as child rape – they were abuse of the most extreme kind.

"It is hardly surprising that your victims suffered profound psychological harm and misery for decades."

Snyder was charged in March this year after detectives uncovered the first series of offences before a second victim came forward.

Prosecutor Alex Rooke told Canterbury Crown Court that Synder had used the guise of teaching the youngsters about sex to groom them.

His lawyer Niall Doherty said Snyder accepts he had a "distorted pattern and beliefs" and wanted to apologise to his victims.

He added: "He feels ashamed and disgusted and knows his behaviour was wrong."

In jailing him, the Judge told the pervert: "You may well be ashamed now about what you did but your offending has seriously damaged your victims."

Detective Constable Sarah Bedford from Kent Police said after the hearing: "I hope this sentencing brings some closure to Snyder's victims who have shown tremendous courage in coming forward and supporting this prosecution.

"I'm also pleased that Snyder is now where he belongs – in prison – where he can no longer pose a direct threat to vulnerable people."