A paedophile has been jailed for 24 years and given a further four years on extended licence for raping and sexually abusing two girls over a five-year period.
Sussex Police said today (Thursday 27 June): “A Bexhill man who raped and sexually assaulted two young girls has been sentenced to 28 years.
“John Armsby, 47, of Ninfield Road, in Bexhill, repeatedly sexually abused two girls under the age of 13 from 2017 to 2022.
“The offences were reported to Sussex Police on Monday 24 January 2022 and Armsby was arrested two days later.
“His young victims and their families were given specialist support by Sussex Police officers and our partners.
“Armsby’s home was searched and digital devices were found containing indecent images of children.
“He was subsequently charged with five counts of rape of a child under 13, five counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, three counts of possessing indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.
“A jury found him guilty of all charges at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 26 March 2024.
“At the same court on Thursday 6 June, Armsby was sentenced to 24 years in prison, with another four to be spent on extended licence.
“He was also given an indefinite ‘sexual harm prevention order’, indefinite restraining orders against both victims and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.”
Detective Constable Annie McGarvey said: “John Armsby’s crimes are sickening and depraved.
“My heart goes out to his young victims and their families for the horrific ordeal he has put them through, the effects of which will be long-lasting.
“I thank them all for their support and determination throughout this investigation.
“Without their courage, we would not have been able to put a dangerous offender behind bars where he can pose no further harm to the public.”
Sussex Police added: “If you are a victim of sexual offences, no matter how long ago, please report it to Sussex Police. We will believe you, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.
“Report online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”
