Repeatedly abused a young girl.

A married woodcutter from Skeete Road, Lyminge, near Folkestone, was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a child. The man, identified as Ivor Jones, was in his late 50s when he subjected the victim to a variety of sexual acts in several locations, including his workshop, local woods, and truck.

The victim, now an adult, reported the abuse to police, stating she wanted to protect other women and children. She bravely gave evidence at Jones's trial earlier this year, where he denied six offences of sexual activity with a child and one of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. However, he was unanimously convicted by a jury.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard the devastating impact Jones's actions had on the victim's life. Prosecutor Jose Olivares-Chandler read from the victim's two victim impact statements, stating that "because of Ivor Jones, she grew up into a nervous, anxious and vulnerable adult who never felt good enough for anyone."

"She said she saw herself as a woman with no self-worth and had an excruciating feeling of shame about her body. She felt that he took years of her life away from her and she needed to escape from reality, using unhealthy coping mechanisms as a result. But she wanted to protect other women and children which is why she came forward and put herself through a trial, which she found extremely emotional, difficult and stressful."

The victim also spoke about how Jones gained her trust before taking advantage of her. "She felt the defendant manipulated her to get what he wanted, knowing her age, and she wished she had never met him," continued the prosecutor. "She said the defendant took the best years of her life away....She felt she was the problem and wasn't good enough. 'You took the opportunity to groom - and that is the right word here - for her to accede to your sexual advances...'"

"As she says 'These monsters are able to hide behind the friend mask. Who can we trust?'"

When sentencing Jones, Judge Douglas Marks Moore acknowledged the pensioner's previous good character and his 82-year-old, bed-bound wife's poor health. However, he emphasized the need for punishment due to the "extremely serious series of offences."

The judge stated, "Children are by definition vulnerable. They are members of our society that need protection. They are members of our society that often can be targeted because of their vulnerability. I have absolutely no doubt at all that you were able to see and were aware of her particular vulnerability. You knew her age. You took the opportunity to groom - and that is the right word here - for her to accede to your sexual advances. You had the opportunity to stop, you had the opportunity to reflect, but you carried on for your own sexual gratification."

Upon his release from prison, Jones will be subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite requirement to sign on the sex offender register.