ST LEONARDS MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

A man from St Leonards, Darren Sibley, aged 40, has been convicted and sentenced for sexually abusing a young girl under the age of 13. The crimes took place between 2011 and 2016, but only came to light after a friend of the victim reported the abuse to Sussex Police in 2020. A thorough investigation was carried out, supported by specialist officers, leading to Sibley's arrest and multiple charges including five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempted sexual assault of a child under 13, as well as additional charges of assaulting an emergency worker and failing to surrender. On 24 October 2023, at Hove Crown Court, Sibley was found guilty of three of the sexual offences and pleaded guilty to assaults on an emergency worker and a failure to surrender. He was subsequently sentenced on 8 January 2024 at Lewes Crown Court to a term of 15 years and three months in prison. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also issued against him, greatly limiting his ability to reoffend, along with a restraining order protecting the victim. He will be registered as a sex offender for life. Detective Constable Cally Fox expressed her support for the victim's bravery and emphasized the importance of reporting such crimes, encouraging victims or those aware of abuse to contact police in confidence. She affirmed that justice had been served and that Sibley would be unable to cause further harm.