MAN CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING GIRL FROM THE AGE OF FIVE
Update 24/02/2026: Clifton, 58, of Tanyard Close in Horsham, first began abusing his victim when she was four years old, subjecting her to sexualised behaviour and sexual assaults.On her 5th birthday, Clifton began to rape her, continuing on a regular basis until she was around 13 years old.
Clifton was arrested at his home in 2018 after the victim, who is now a woman in her 20s, approached Sussex Police.
She was given support by specialist officers while a thorough investigation was launched.
He was subsequently charged with six counts of rape of a girl under 13, five counts of assault by penetration, four counts of assault by touching, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Following a two-week trial at Hove Trial Centre concluding on Friday, 23 January, Clifton was convicted of five counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault by penetration and five counts of sexual assault on a child.
The remaining charges resulted in a hung jury.
At the same court on Monday (23 February), he was jailed for 22 years and subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order significantly reducing his ability to reoffend.
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Keith Clifton, a resident of Tanyard Close in Horsham, has been convicted of multiple charges relating to the sexual abuse of a young girl over several years.
The 58-year-old first engaged in inappropriate and sexualised behaviour with the girl when she was only four years old, subjecting her to sexual assaults and misconduct.
On her fifth birthday, he began raping her, continuing this pattern regularly until she reached approximately 13 years of age.
Clifton was taken into custody at his home in 2018 after the victim, now an adult woman in her twenties, reported her experiences to Sussex Police.
She received specialist support while authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation.
He faced multiple charges, including six counts of raping a girl under 13, five counts of assault by penetration, four counts of assault by touching, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and one count of inciting a girl under 13 to participate in sexual activity.
After a two-week trial at Hove Trial Centre that concluded on January 23, Clifton was found guilty of six counts of rape, three counts of assault by touching, two counts of assault by penetration, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of inciting sexual activity involving a minor.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the remaining charges, resulting in a hung jury.
He is currently remanded in custody and will face sentencing at the same court on February 23.
