A man has has been sentenced to 21 years in jail for a series of child sex offences in West Sussex and Cleveland between the 1980s and 90s.
Neville Crouch, 63, Lancashire, was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday, 3) having been convicted after a trial in December 2019.
Police said he was convicted of assaults against a girl in Hartlepool and Littlehampton between 1982 and 1991, a second girl in Hartlepool between 1993 and 1997, and a third girl in Goring in 1984.
During the offences Crouch was living and working as a taxi driver in Hartlepool and Littlehampton, according to officers.
All three of his victims were under the age of 16 during the time of the offences.
He will also serve a further five years on extended prison licence, according to police.Crouch will be a registered sex offender for life.
Police said information was first received by them in 2017.
DC Andrew Roe said:
"Crouch, who lived and worked as a taxi driver in both Hartlepool and Littlehampton during the 1980s and 1990s, ruthlessly took advantage of the three young girls for his own sexual gratification, against two of them over a period of years.
"The victim of the offences in both locations, having suffered in silence for many years afterwards, eventually and very bravely found the resolve to come to us in May 2017.
"We immediately began enquiries and traced the other two victims.
"We ensured that they had access to expert personal support and advice, and all three supported our investigation throughout and resolutely gave evidence at Crouch's trial, for which they have our admiration.
"This is another example of the way in which, working with the CPS, we will always follow up such reports no matter how long ago the events were, and seek justice wherever the evidence will enable us to do so."
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