A man who groomed and sexually abused a 13-year-old girl has been jailed for nine and a half years.
John Simpson, 52, was jailed by Judge Martin Huseyin at Lewes Crown Court, who ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.
Sussex Police said today: “An Eastbourne man convicted of 11 counts of child sexual abuse has been jailed.
“John Simpson, 52, of Sheffield Park Way, in Eastbourne, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday 13 November when he was jailed for a total of nine years and six months.
“In 2011, Simpson groomed and repeatedly sexually abused a 13-year-old girl, convincing her they were in a ‘normal relationship’.
“The abuse continued for a number of months, before the victim was able to cut contact with Simpson.
“The victim reported Simpson’s offending to police as an adult in 2021 and was supported by specialist officers while an investigation was carried out.
“Simpson was subsequently arrested and charged with 13 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to commit sexual activity.
“At Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday 3 September, he was found guilty of nine counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was found not guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child.
“Simpson was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison, will be a registered sex offender for life and was given an indefinite restraining order against the victim.”
Detective Inspector Harry Doyle said: “John Simpson took advantage of the young victim, abusing her trust for his own sexual gratification.
“She has had to live with the impact of his crimes into adulthood but has shown incredible courage by reporting his offending to the police.
“Thanks to her determination, Simpson has now faced justice for his crimes and will spend a significant period behind bars.
“This should send a clear message to victims and perpetrators that no matter how long ago an offence took place, we will take all reports seriously, we will investigate and we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”
