PETER BOURNE FROM GREAT STUKELEY JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN HOVE AND SUSSEX

In a significant case that has shocked the local community, Peter Ernest Bourne, a retired lay preacher residing in Great Stukeley near Huntington, Cambridgeshire, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his conviction for serious sexual offences committed against three young girls in Sussex during the 1960s and 1970s.

The sentencing took place at Brighton Crown Court on Thursday, September 27, after an extensive eight-day trial that culminated in a verdict of guilty on 14 separate counts. Bourne, aged 79 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of a range of heinous crimes, including one count of rape, five counts of indecency with a child, and eight counts of indecent assault. These offences were committed against three girls, all of whom knew him personally, in the towns of Southwick, Hove, and Worthing.

The victims, whose ages ranged from 9 to 16 at the time of the offences, endured years of suffering at the hands of Bourne, whose actions have now been brought to justice after decades of silence. The investigation was conducted by Sussex Safeguarding detectives, who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and ensure that justice was served.

As part of his sentence, Bourne will be registered as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of sexual abuse.