A Bexhill man is starting a prison sentence for a series of sexual offences against three girls then aged between five and eight, between 36 and 45 years ago.
Ian Brett, 65, of Buckhurst Road, Bexhill, was sentenced to 11-and-a-half-years at Lewes Crown Court last Friday (February 4th,) having been found guilty last November on 13 counts - three of child cruelty, one against each girl, and ten of indecent assault.
He will serve an extra year on prison release licence and will also be a registered sex offender for life.
The jury did not agree on a verdict on two counts of indecency with a child, and returned a not guilty verdict on a count of causing actual bodily harm to one of the girls. Two counts of indecent assault were not proceeded with and will lay on the court file.
Detective Constable Natalie Brill of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said:
"Brett had access to these vulnerable children over several years and systematically abused them for his own gratification.
"These terrible offences remained unreported for more than 30 years before one of victims, now in her forties, felt able to come forward and contact us.
"Their experiences have affected each of them in different ways, and all spent years feeling that no one would believe them.
"As Brett denied his guilt throughout our investigation and the trial, they gave evidence in court against him, which they did very bravely, though it caused them additional anxiety by reliving the trauma from their childhood.
"We follow up all reports of this kind, no matter how long ago the offences are said to have occurred, to seek justice for the victims wherever possible and also to ensure that they have access to sources of specialist advice and support."
See the Sussex Police website for advice on how to report sexual offences and the support services available.
Brighton: A23 Improvement Work To Begin In June
New Ancient Trade Exhibition To Open At The Beachy Head Story
Sussex Beaches Win Big In Annual Awards
Police Still Searching For Two Men Over Hastings Fatal Hit-And-Run
Pulborough Rapist Has Jail Sentence Extended After Appeal
Planners Approve Battery Storage Facility In Hooe
Children’s Charity Launches Campaign To Provide Wellbeing Service at Brighton Hospital.
Sussex Air Ambulance Charity Raises £1m To Buy Its Helicopter
New Southern Timetable To Add 5,000 South Coast Seats From Next Month
New Mayor A Leader For ‘Unity And Progress In Brighton & Hove’