Sex Attacker From Bexhill Jailed For "Systematic" Assaults On Young Girls

Thursday, 5 August 2021 13:20

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Lady Justice (Photo: LonPicMan / Creative Commons)

A man who used to live in Bexhill has been jailed for a series of sex offences committed against three young girls in the town up to 30 years ago.

Christopher Bancroft, 60, formerly of Elmstead Road, Bexhill, but now of Willowbrook Drive, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, was sentenced to one years and ten months when he appeared at Hove Crown Court.

He had previously been found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault between 1990 and 1992 against the three victims, comprising four counts in respect of one of them, and two against each of the other two.

He was found not guilty of one count of indecent assault.

In his sentencing hearing on Friday 30 July, Bancroft also learned he will be a registered sex offender for ten years.

He was given a sentence totalling two years which was reduced by 43 days to take account of time spent on a ‘tag’ checking his movements whilst on remand prior to his trial/conviction.

Detective Constable Nicola Westgate from the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigation Unit said:

"Bancroft came to know the girls when he was living in Bexhill and systematically abused them over many months.

"The abuse only stopped when the defendant began a relationship with someone closer to his own age.

"The victims have carried this abuse with them for many years, but eventually one of the girls felt strong enough to speak out and we immediately began enquiries.

"The impact that it has had on all of them has been huge.

"They all gave evidence at court and two of them attended the sentencing to read out their victim personal statements in front of the defendant as they wanted him to hear the devastating effect that his actions have had on their lives.

"All three victims were extremely brave and very dignified throughout the process.

"I am very grateful for their help and that of the other witnesses throughout the investigation.

"We will always investigate such offences and support victims with access to specialist support and advice."