CHRISTOPHER BANCROFT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN BEXHILL AND CAMBRIDGESHIRE

A man named Christopher Bancroft, aged 60, has been sentenced to prison for heinous acts committed nearly three decades ago in Bexhill. Bancroft, who previously resided on Elmstead Road in Bexhill and later moved to Willowbrook Drive in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, was found guilty of sexually abusing three young girls during the early 1990s. The conviction and sentencing took place at Hove Crown Court on July 30, where Bancroft received a prison term of one year and ten months. In addition to his incarceration, he will be subject to a ten-year registration as a sex offender, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities following his release.

His conviction was based on eight counts of indecent assault, which spanned from 1990 to 1992. The court established that Bancroft had committed four of these counts against one victim, while two counts each were linked to the other two victims. Notably, he was acquitted of one additional count of indecent assault. The overall sentence was reduced by 43 days, a deduction made to account for the time Bancroft spent on a monitoring tag while on remand awaiting trial.

The investigation uncovered that Bancroft systematically targeted and abused the three girls over a prolonged period, taking advantage of their trust after meeting them while living in Bexhill. The abuse persisted for many months until Bancroft’s behavior ceased when he entered into a relationship with someone closer to his own age. The victims endured significant emotional trauma as a result of his actions. Despite the trauma, one of the victims found the strength to come forward and speak out, which prompted police inquiries into the matter.

During the court proceedings, two of the victims read personal statements aloud, describing the profound and lasting impact Bancroft’s actions had on their lives. Detective Nicola Westgate from the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigation Unit highlighted that Bancroft’s abuse was both deliberate and targeted over an extended period, emphasizing the calculated nature of his misconduct. The police force praised the bravery of the victims in coming forward and reiterated their commitment to ongoing investigation and support for those affected. For individuals seeking information on reporting sexual offenses or accessing support services, the Sussex Police website provides comprehensive resources and guidance.