Jury Finds Defendants Guilty Of Rape And Sexual Assault Of Girl

Six defendants have been found guilty of 39 offences including rape, sexual assault, child cruelty and perverting the course of justice against two girls in their family in West Sussex.

Both victims, who have a legal right to anonymity and who must not be identified, have received support from specially-trained officers and partner agencies.

The first victim disclosed the abuse she had suffered from her family to a member of staff at her school.

She described examples of rape and serious sexual assault by her father, grandfather and her two brothers, and child cruelty by her mother.

Her younger sister reported being assaulted and neglected by her parents. Meanwhile the girls’ uncle was charged with perverting the course of justice.

Following a trial at Hove Crown Court which started on 15 September, they were found guilty of 39 of 42 charges.

They have all been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing in 2026.

Sussex Police has facilitated media reporting of the case, where to protect the victims’ identities the media has not identified the defendants’ names, but has instead reported the relationships of those involved in the case.

Consequently, the names and identities of the defendants cannot be reported for legal reasons as this risks the victims’ right to anonymity.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour said:

“This has been a complex investigation that has had a profound impact on the two victims.

"Our priority continues to be ensuring their welfare and safeguarding in this highly traumatic and distressing case.

“We have worked alongside partner agencies to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of the young victims.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for Sussex Police. We encourage all victims of rape and serious sexual offences to report their experience to us.

“Our officers have been determined to get justice in this case, and we are pleased with the guilty verdicts returned by the jury.

“We urge the public not to speculate about the case online as this may jeopardise the victims’ legal right to anonymity.”

Details of the charges:

• Father, aged 43, was convicted of five counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of cruelty to a person under 16.

• Mother, aged 43, was convicted of four counts of cruelty to a person under 16, two counts of false imprisonment, and one count of perverting the course of justice.

• Grandfather, aged 70, was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13, and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

• Brother, aged 23, was convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

• Brother, aged 20, was convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

• Uncle, aged 49, was convicted of one count of perverting the course of justice.