Locations
Sir Bernard Paget Avenue, Repton Park, TN23
Description
Matthew Lovage began shaking and breathing heavily, unbuttoned his shirt and clutched his chest as he was told he was guilty.
The 27-year-old, of Sir Bernard Paget Avenue, Repton Park, was allowed half an hour to recover before learning he faced a lengthy term behind bars.
Lovage was found guilty by the jury at Canterbury Crown Court of the rape of a young child and sexual activity with the same victim.
He was arrested after allegations were reported by an Ashford children’s nursery – but he denied the offences.
The victim gave evidence at the three-day trial via CCTV from a special room in the crown court.
The sentencing hearing was adjourned for five weeks while reports are prepared which will consider what danger Lovage poses to children in the future.
His lawyer, Kieran Moroney, made no application for bail and Judge Heather Norton ordered Lovage to sign the sex offender register.
Mr Moroney said Lovage had an undiagnosed medical problem and was undergoing medical tests.
Judge Norton told Lovage: “You should prepare yourself for a custodial sentence – and one of some considerable length.”