'Devious sexual predator' jailed

Kevin Toner, 20, was given an indefinite sentence for public protection at Teesside Crown Court, for the "cruel and venomous" attack on the child whom he stalked after she got on a bus. He had two similar convictions for sex attacks on boys.

His latest victim now has nightmares, mood swings and is undergoing counselling following the attack in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, in September last year, the court heard.

Outside court, her father said: "It has been a shattering experience and it is a relief that the case is now over. We will probably never get 100% closure, but the successful prosecution of Kevin Toner will surely go a long way to that target. Finally, we can now only hope that time weakens any bad memories we have of the whole incident."

Toner, of Thomas Street, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, denied the charges but was convicted by a jury last month of sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

He stalked his victim by following her on and off a bus before enticing her into woods, then threatening to harm a friend - whom Toner had seen her with earlier - before filming his sexual abuse on his mobile phone. He only struck once he was satisfied she was alone.

She eventually escaped and was found by one witness who described her as looking terrified.

Police traced CCTV images from the bus company and they were published in a local newspaper. Toner handed himself in to police when the images were printed, but denied the charges at the trial.

He showed no remorse and was criticised by the judge for putting his victim through the ordeal of giving evidence.

Recorder Jeremy Richardson said: "The sentence imposed is indefinite to protect the public from your predatory sexual deviancy towards children. I don't know if and when it will be safe to release you in future." Toner will serve a minimum of four years before he is eligible to apply for parole.