'Predator' sexually abused child for years

Kinston will be sentenced in court on 18 November

A "predator" has been found guilty of sexually abusing a young child for years.

Damian Kinston, 27, of Spring Close, Swindon, Wiltshire, was convicted at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday. He is due to be sentenced on 18 November.

Kinston repeatedly sexually assaulted a girl, who was seven years old when the abuse started.

Following his conviction, Wiltshire Police Sgt Vaughan said: “Kinston is clearly a sexual predator, whose only interest is to fulfil his own sexual gratification."

Kinston was convicted of offences including sexual assault on a child under 13, multiple counts of rape of a child under 13, multiple counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and multiple assaults of a child under 13 by penetration.

Sgt Vaughan added: “Firstly, I want to praise the victim for the courage that they have shown throughout this investigation, particularly given her young age.

"He showed no regard for the victim and even when faced with all the evidence against him, he refused to plead guilty to any of the charges against him.

“Instead, he forced his victim to relive their experiences in court, which could not have been easy for them.

“Thankfully, as a result of the bravery of the victim, and the evidence we gathered, the jury have seen through his lies, and he is now being held accountable for his actions."