A man from Kingston has been jailed for sexually assaulting a young girl whilst she was under his mother's care at her child-minding business.

Jonathan Hayter, 32, of Cardinal Avenue was sentenced to four years and eight months after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a child under 13 at Kingston Crown Court on August 18.

Hayter was described in court as a "dangerous predator" who "sexually abused and terrorised” the young victim.

The abuse began in 2007 when Hayter was 16 and the girl was just five.

He committed at least eight offences occurring over a two-year period at his mother's childminding service.

The victim reported the abuse to the police in November 2020, leading to an investigation and Hayter's subsequent arrest and charges.

Officers have raised concerns that Hayter may have abused other children and are asking any further victims to approach their local police.

Detective Constable Hannah Saunders, the investigating officer, said: “Hayter is a dangerous predator who sexually abused and terrorised the young innocent victim while they were under his mother’s care.

“I would like to praise the victim for her bravery in helping us put Hayter before the courts and I hope this sentence will give her some measure of closure.

“It cannot be ruled out that Hayter abused other children and I would urge anyone who has suffered at his hands to come forward and contact your local police.

“We take all allegations of this type extremely seriously and we ensure that victims are supported throughout the whole process.”