STEPHEN SMITH

A 44-year-old former construction boss has been jailed for 18 months for sexually abusing a young girl.

Stephen Smith, of Higham Road, Cliffe, near Rochester, had originally denied any improper behaviour with the victim but he no longer appeared to be in denial, a judge said.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that the 12-year-old described three incidents when she claimed that Smith behaved indecently with her.

He was convicted of two incidents of indecent assault but the jury could not agree on whether he was guilty of the third.

Smith denied all three charges and Judge Warwick McKinnon ordered that the remaining charge be left on the court file.

Smith, a married father, admitted he had a drink problem and sought help at The Priory clinic in Roehampton, where celebrities often go for expensive treatment.

Robin Griffiths, defending, said Smith had served two long prison sentences for non-sexual offences.

He was released from the last in 1996 and worked his way to an exalted position in the construction business.

"All was going swimmingly until the allegations were made," he said.

"His position became untenable." Judge McKinnon said: "No doubt a lot of what you did was down to drink.

You didn't admit what you had done and you cannot expect any discount (in sentence).

It is clear you are no longer in denial." Smith was also placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and banned from working with children for life.