A man has been jailed for more than six years after he sexually abused a child.

Paedophile Milen Ivanov, from Gillingham, targeted the young victim between June 1 and August 9 last year, after he made them believe they were in a relationship.

His offending came to light after the child told their parents what had been happening, and they quickly contacted the police.

Ivanov, of Chaucer Road, was arrested on August 28, 2022.

He was bailed with conditions, including not to contact the victim, while investigators built the case against him.

During this time, Ivanov committed further offences including sharing indecent images of the victim and making threats towards the child.

He was charged with two counts of sexual activity with a child, intimidation of a witness, making indecent photographs of a child, and disclosing a private sexual photograph.

The 34-year-old was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on October 26, 2023, for six years and eight months.

He will also be subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a five-year restraining order on his release.

Investigating officer PC James Dark said: “Ivanov was fully aware of the victim’s age and preyed on their vulnerabilities for his own sexual gratification.

“When faced with the consequences of his crimes Ivanov attempted to intimidate the victim by sharing indecent images and making threats.

“However, these incidents were reported and he received further charges and a longer prison sentence as a result.

“The victim has shown considerable courage in disclosing what had happened to her and then assisting investigators to ensure he was held accountable for his actions.”