A child rapist has been locked up for 22 years.

Paedophile Billy Ward was found guilty of 12 sexual offence charges relating to a young victim under the age of 13 between January 2016 and October 2022.

The 40-year-old, of Castle Road, Chatham, was denied the charges after he was arrested last year but was found guilty by a jury.

He was sentenced to 22 years behind bars and ordered to serve an extended licence of five years at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

Ward was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will remain in place for 35 years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Othen, of Kent Police’s Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: “Ward carried out pre-planned and sustained offending over a six-year period against a vulnerable young child.

“His crimes are some of the worst I have come across while working as part of this team, and I really want to commend the bravery of the victim.

“Not only did the child report his offending, but they were present in court and personally read out their victim impact statement, a step which took great courage.

“I hope that the outcome of this case allows them to come to terms with their past and gives the closure needed in order to move forward.”