A man who raped and sexually abused a girl over a number of years has been jailed for 20 years.
Keith Williams, 60, was convicted by a jury last month after a five-day trial at Lewes Crown Court.
On Friday (20 September) he was sentenced by Recorder Amy Packham at Hove Crown Court for the rape and abuse of the girl who was under 13 at the time.
Sussex Police said: “The incidents were reported to Sussex Police in May 2020 after the victim confided in a family member who raised the alarm.
“Officers then arrested Williams.
“The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been supported by specially trained officers.”
Detective Sergeant Nick Green praised the victim for her courage in coming forward.
Sussex Police added: “At Hove Crown Court on Friday (20 September), Williams was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison.
“The court was told how the girl made a report in May 2020, reporting rape and sexual abuse.
“Williams, of Tintern Close, Eastbourne, was found guilty after trial of four counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13.
“He was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching and one count of child cruelty.
“The five-day trial at Lewes Crown Court concluded on Friday 2 August.”
Detective Sergeant Green, from the Eastbourne Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said: “Williams carried out heinous crimes that breached the trust of his victim.
“She showed tremendous bravery and courage to report her experience to police.
“We take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and encourage victims to report their experience to police.
“We were determined to get justice for the victim and for other victims, to ensure that dangerous offenders are taken off our streets.”
