EDWARD FANE BOGNOR MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING VULNERABLE TEENAGER

In April 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Edward Fane, a resident of Upper Bognor Road in Bognor, who was convicted and subsequently sentenced for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a teenage boy with learning difficulties. The incident highlighted serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the community.

Fane, aged 57 at the time, was found guilty of luring a 17-year-old boy, who was known to have learning disabilities, back to his residence under false pretenses. The young victim was initially in the vicinity of Bognor, playing on his skateboard, when Fane approached him. Fane claimed he needed assistance moving furniture due to a bad back and offered the boy £10 to help him. Trusting the adult, the boy agreed and was led several miles away from his usual surroundings to Fane’s home.

Once at the residence, the boy used the toilet and helped Fane move a cabinet in the bedroom a few inches. It was during this interaction that Fane made inappropriate advances towards the boy. Frightened and overwhelmed, the teenager fled from the house. Fane, upon catching up with him, took the boy back to the location where he had initially found him, gave him another £10, and warned him not to tell his mother about what had transpired.

The criminal activity only came to light when the teenager was at school, participating in a lesson about appropriate touching. The incident was reported to the police in February 2011, prompting an investigation. Fane was charged and pleaded guilty to the offence, which led to his appearance at Chichester Crown Court.

During the sentencing, Judge Ackner emphasized the gravity of Fane’s actions, stating that he had exploited and manipulated a highly vulnerable young man. As part of his punishment, Fane was ordered to register as a sex offender and was placed under a sexual offences prevention order to prevent any further misconduct.

Following the case, Detective Constable Kim Clinch commented on the seriousness of the offence, saying, “This was an extremely vulnerable victim who, as the judge said, Fane preyed on and exploited. The victim was brave in coming forward, and we began an investigation as soon as it was reported to us.” The case underscored the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice in such cases.