by Julia Roberts

A pervert who told a young girl he molested that it was “their little secret” has been jailed for 12 years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Alan Palmer, 66, also told another abuse victim that she should not tell anyone about what he did because she was “really special” and he would get into trouble.

Palmer, of Racefield Close, Shorne, admitted two charges of rape, four of indecency with a child, three of indecent assault, two of assault by penetration and one of sexual assault of a child.

The offences dated back to 1980.

The former electrical switchboard operator denied four further offences of rape, six of indecency with a child, one of indecent assault and four of assault by penetration. These were left on the court file.

Passing sentence, Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said the victims’ impact statements were “harrowing” to read.

“It is difficult to overstate the horror and disgust with which all right-thinking members of the public will have heard the facts of this case,” he remarked.

“One only has to hear the story to immediately appreciate the traumatic effect your actions are likely to have had on your victims.”

"it is difficult to overstate the horror and disgust with which all right-thinking members of the public will have heard the facts of this case" – judge david griffith-jones

The judge added that although Palmer had expressed remorse he had a tendency to “minimise” his behaviour.

“To an extent you remain in denial,” he remarked.

Palmer, who at times shook his head as he stood in the dock, was sentenced to concurrent jail terms ranging between two and 12 years. He will serve half the total sentence, less 126 days spent on remand.

Prosecutor Mark Cotter said Palmer was arrested in February after a victim revealed he had touched her “around her private area”.

“One victim remembers the defendant telling her that because she was really special she should not tell anyone and that he would get into trouble if she did,” he said.

Following his arrest, Palmer admitted to feeling “a little bit aroused” but denied being sexually attracted to children.

“He went on to say that he was disgusted with himself and wished he could turn the clock back,” added Mr Cotter.

Charlotte Newell, defending, described Palmer as “ashamed”. She added: “He wants treatment and he knows he must go to prison and be properly punished for this.

“He doesn’t want to put anyone at risk ever again.”