A deplorable former salesman has been jailed for two years after sexually assaulting a woman inside her Swanley home in a frightening ordeal.

John Adams, 63, targeted his victim in 2015, during a visit to her address to try and persuade her to sign up to a new utilities deal.

After being invited into the property on November 25, 2015, Adams contacted a company he worked for so that call centre staff could discuss details of the new deal with the victim.

During the phone conversation Adams, who was stood nearby, suddenly approached the victim and sexually assaulted her.

The victim shouted to at him to leave her alone and to alert another person who was in the house at the same time.

Adams left the property, before returning shortly after to retrieve his mobile phone.

He was arrested by Kent Police the following day and during interview denied the allegations, claiming he had been made to leave the property due to a dispute over the new energy deal.

Adams, formerly of Lower Boxley Road, Maidstone, pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault at Maidstone Crown Court, but was convicted following a trial.

He was sentenced to two years in prison on May 19 and also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Constable Natalie Collin of Kent Police’s Public Protection Unit said: “Adams gained the trust of his victim after knocking on her door and persuading her she could save money on her energy bills.

“After being invited into her home he then abused this trust in the worst possible way, subjecting his victim to what must have been a very frightening ordeal.

“I would like to thank the victim for coming forward and giving evidence. It is never easy to do, but has helped us ensure Adams has now been rightly punished for his deplorable actions.”