Man took girls shopping before assaulting them

Bradley Kite admitted multiple offences at Maidstone Crown Court

A Sittingbourne man who took young girls shopping for expensive presents before sexually assaulting them has been jailed for nearly 18 years.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, Bradley Kite admitted 13 offences, including multiple counts of sexual activity with a child, sexual assault of a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

A jury also found the 42-year-old, from Sittingbourne, guilty of sexually assaulting a further child, which he had denied.

Det Con Daniel Alai called Kite a "dangerous offender" who had "preyed on the vulnerability of teenage girls".

Kite was arrested on 27 June 2024 after one of his victims alerted a family member to what had been going on.

An investigation, involving specialist detectives from Kent Police, was then launched and further victims identified.

While the sexual abuse was taking place Kite also manipulated one girl into believing he was her boyfriend, sending her sexualised messages as well as giving her money and jewellery.

He was sentenced to 17 years and nine months in prison and was also made the subject of a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Kite will also be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Det Con Alai said he had "manipulated and abused [young girls] for his own gratification", adding that the case's outcome "offered further protection to safeguard potential future victims".