A paedophile sexually abused a girl after grooming her with fizzy drinks and Timberland boots.
Kevin King's victim was left feeling "trapped" after being subjected to years of sickening assaults at his hands. In spite of this, he continues to plead his innocence.
Michael Scholes, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday that the now 55-year-old repeatedly abused the teenager over the course of three years. King, of Maybank Road in Tranmere, assaulted her on numerous occasions when she was aged as young as 13.
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The pervert instructed her to perform sex acts on him and forced her to watch pornography and give him pairs of her underwear. He also asked to have sex with her, but she refused.
During this campaign of abuse, King plied her with clothing, shoes - including a pair of Timberland boots - and bottles of Dr Pepper. The predator told her his grooming was a "secret" and that she would "get into trouble" if she told anyone.
The complainant reported his actions to police in 2019 after she disclosed what had happened to members of her family. A statement which was read to the court on her behalf described how she continues to suffer from mental health problems and flashback as a result of his vile actions.
She added: "I felt trapped. I would like awake at night wishing I had a normal life - he ruined a massive chunk of my life."
King, who has no previous convictions, continues to maintain his innocence. Cheryl Mottram, defending, said her client had also suffered from mental health problems and recently attempted to take own life.
She added: "His incarceration is going to be of some length. His family are aware of the type of sentence which is to be passed today, and that is not going to be easy for them.
"They are an extremely close family. His imprisonment will have a profound effect on them.
"References speak of a man who is kind, caring and well thought of. It is important to remember he is more than just these convictions - there is very much a different side to him."
King was unanimously found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child, two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two charges of causing a child to watch sexual activity by a jury following a trial. He was jailed for eight years, as well as being handed a lifelong notification requirement and a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim for 10 years.
Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: "It has clearly had a severe effect on her. I am entirely satisfied she has suffered severe psychological harm.
"You are a man of positive good character. Not only do you have no previous criminal convictions, references speak very highly of you.
"There is clearly another, positive side of your character."
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