DEAN DAVIES FROM POLEGATE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN EAST SUSSEX

In a significant case that has shocked the local community of Polegate, Dean Davies, a 20-year-old man from Walnut Walk, was handed a substantial prison sentence of six and a half years for committing a series of 18 sexual offences involving three young girls known to him. The sentencing took place at Hove Crown Court on November 18, following a detailed two-week trial held the previous month, during which Davies maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The offences for which Davies was convicted span a period of several years and involve multiple victims. The court heard that he had sexually assaulted a girl aged between six and seven during 2005 and 2006, with nine separate incidents recorded. Additionally, he was found guilty of four sexual assaults and one attempted sexual assault on a second girl, who was between 10 and 11 years old at the time, during 2006 and 2007. The court also established that Davies attempted to rape this same girl on two occasions during the same period. Furthermore, in February 2013, he committed a rape against a 16-year-old girl.

It is important to note that Davies was acquitted of two charges of raping a fourth girl, who was 14 years old in 2009. The charges against him were brought forward by the Crown Prosecution Service after a thorough investigation conducted by detectives from East Sussex CID. The investigation uncovered disturbing details about Davies’ actions over several years.

Judge Guy Anthony, presiding over the case, expressed his views during sentencing, stating, “You did not have the courage to plead guilty, and the victims therefore had to give evidence in court.” His comments underscored the gravity of the offences and the impact on the victims.

Detective Constable Jo Barber, who was involved in the investigation, provided insight into the case, saying, “Over several years, Davies, from the age of 11 onward, carried out a series of serious sexual offences against three very vulnerable young girls he met and befriended, including several rapes. “Eventually we were able to compile full accounts from the victims, and established the exact circumstances. All three were distressed by their experiences and had found difficulty in explaining what had happened at the time.”

The case highlights the importance of diligent police work and the resilience of victims who come forward to seek justice, even after many years have passed since the offences occurred.