ERIK JONES SENTENCED IN HAILSHAM FOR RAPE IN CRAWLEY OVER 40 YEARS AGO

In a significant case that spans decades, Eric Jones, an 85-year-old resident of Hailsham, has been sentenced to a decade in prison for the heinous crime of raping a young girl in Crawley during the 1970s. The conviction was announced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, January 7, following a jury’s guilty verdict delivered on December 11, Sussex Police confirmed.

Jones, who resides at Ashley Gardens in Hailsham, was found guilty of a single count of rape committed against a minor while he was living in Crawley. The police spokesperson emphasized the importance of the victim’s courage in coming forward after so many years, acknowledging the emotional toll of reliving such a traumatic event.

Detective Constable Rees Hopcraft expressed appreciation for the victim’s bravery, stating, “I would like to praise the bravery of the victim who has, after all these years, come forward to report the offences. She had to re-live the traumatic experience by providing evidence and sitting through the court process following Jones’s not guilty plea. The victim’s willingness to aid our investigation helped ensure that justice was done.”

As part of his sentence, Jones will be registered as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crime and the ongoing efforts to protect the community from individuals with such convictions. The case highlights the importance of perseverance in seeking justice, even after many years have passed since the original incident.