A chartered accountant jailed for sexually abusing a teenager has died in custody. Anthony Kwan was a hard-working businessman who rose to chairman, and latterly honorary chairman, of the Bristol area Overseas Chinese Association, Bristol Crown Court heard.

But the man said to have led an 'exemplary' life was not all what he seemed. It transpired he had a dark side in which he exploited a youngster 'as if she was his own sex toy'.

The targeting destroyed the victim's life who felt she had no-one she could turn to, the court heard. In 2021 Kwan, then 60, of Bristol Road in Biddisham, denied wrongdoing. A jury found him guilty of eight charges of indecent assault and Judge Mark Horton jailed him for seven years.

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It has now emerged Kwan, who was residing at HMP Channings Wood in Devon, has died. Last month an inquest at the Coroner's Court for Plymouth heard married Kwan died on July 8, having been transferred to Rowcroft Hospice.

The inquest heard he became unwell and was taken to Torbay Hospital, where he was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. He returned to HMP Channings Wood but became unwell and was taken to the hospice where on July 8 he died.

No suspicious circumstances were cited. Cause of death was ascertained as metastatic pancreatic cancer.

When Kwan was sentenced in 2021 Judge Mark Horton told him: "You had clear intent in your mind and coldness in your heart as you abused this young girl.You began to treat her as your sexual toy, to be played with."

Kwan was told to register as a sex offender for life. The judge banned him from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Mary Cowe, prosecuting, told the court Kwan tried to kiss the 14-year-old on her lips and bought her cigarettes, alcopops and snacks. Sexual abuse which followed involved him placing the youngster's hand on his crotch, massaging him above his clothes.

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The court heard he groped her chest above her clothes on numerous occasions. When the girl reported the abuse, Kwan made an 'aggressive' denial of improper behaviour, the court heard.

The complainant attended court and bravely read an impact statement. She described how she was worn down by the abuse, which robbed her of her innocence from an early age.

'He removed all my faith in humanity'

She told the court: "He would stop at nothing to satisfy his need for power and control. He removed all my faith in humanity."

She said the abuse had left her suffering panic attacks, insomnia, numbness and fatigue. She told the court: "He took something from me that I will never get back.

"I have to rebuild myself entirely from the beginning. I've been changed forever. I need to show I am capable, I can be courageous and live in a way I can be proud of."

Phil Gibbs, defending, said prior to conviction his client had been a hard-working professional. He told the court: "In many regards he's tried to help others, he's furthered others, he's supported others and he's led an exemplary life."