Teaching assistant preyed on young child and sexually assaulted her at school.

A teaching assistant who admitted sexually assaulting a child while working at a school in Sittingbourne has avoided going to prison.

Daniel Abraham, 35, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, at Maidstone Crown Court on [Date of Sentencing].

The court heard that the offenses took place more than five years ago and had left the victim so traumatized that she discarded all of her school photographs. It was only when Abraham was dismissed for a separate incident that the victim disclosed the abuse to her family.

Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson said that Abraham had undergone safeguarding training but was seen putting his arms around a child and staring at children while they were changing. Abraham was subsequently suspended and then sacked.

The victim later told police: "After what he did I was scared of going to school, scared of him. I have thrown away every photograph of that time because I can't look at them. I feel I have lost a part of my childhood. I want him to regret what he has done to me."

Her mother told the judge in a written statement that hearing details of what Abraham had done was "heartbreaking."

Abraham's defense barrister, Craig Evans, said that Abraham "looks back with disgust and sincere regret for his actions and the impact it had on his victim and her family." He added that Abraham "struggles to come to terms with what led to this offending. In satisfying his own curiosity he has caused unnecessary harm and distress to others."

Judge Julian Smith said that Abraham had been repeatedly warned about his behavior around children but decided to carry out acts "that satisfied his sexual interest."

Abraham, who admitted two sex offenses, is now banned from ever working with children in the future and has to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years. He was also ordered to undergo treatment to deal with his sex offending and to do 120 hours of unpaid work for the community.

As Abraham left the dock, a supporter of the victim's family made a threat against him and was warned by a member of court staff.