RICHARD PAYNE FROM PEACEHAVEN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SUSSEX

In a significant legal case that has drawn considerable attention in the Sussex region, Richard Payne, a 50-year-old resident of Peacehaven, has been sentenced to a prison term of seven years following his conviction on multiple sexual offence charges. The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on a recent Tuesday, where the court also ordered that Payne be registered as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes.

Payne's criminal activities spanned several years and involved two separate victims, both women in their twenties. The first incident occurred nearly a decade ago in Hassocks, where he was accused and found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in her twenties. The court heard evidence from the victim, who recounted the distressing experience, and her testimony played a crucial role in securing the conviction.

More recently, in the previous year, Payne was also convicted of sexually assaulting another woman in her twenties in Burgess Hill. This recent offence added to the gravity of his sentencing, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that the court deemed unacceptable.

Detective Constable Nathalie Bundy, a representative of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit, commented on the case, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation. She stated, “This was a complex investigation and both victims gave evidence in court,” acknowledging the courage of the victims who came forward to testify against Payne.

The case has been a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Sussex to bring offenders to justice. The court's decision reflects a firm stance against sexual offences and aims to protect the community from individuals who pose a threat to public safety.