PAEDOPHILE JAILED AFTER BRAVE VICTIM DECIDED TO REPORT ABUSE
A man who repeatedly indecently assaulted a young girl over several months after grooming her has been sentenced to prison.Clive Manning, aged 54 and of Burnt Oak Lane, Newdigate, who was residing in Crawley at the time of the offences, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, January 7, of 12 historic counts of indecent assault on the victim, who was under 10 years old during the incidents.
After enduring months of sexual abuse, Manning moved out of the area.
It was only after a chance encounter with the victim in October 2017 that she decided to report the abuse.
Manning was subsequently arrested and charged with the offences.
He pled not guilty prior to his trial, but a jury found him guilty of all charges.
On Wednesday, January 16, Manning was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Detective Sergeant Martin Alchin-Gadd of Sussex Police commented on the case: "The victim was very brave to come forward after all this time.
She has lived with the abuse she suffered as a child for a long time before deciding to speak to us.
Now she has seen justice served." He continued, "We will always take allegations of this nature seriously, regardless of how much time has passed since they occurred, and a full investigation will take place.
Wherever there is sufficient evidence, we will seek to bring offenders to justice."
