Crawley detective recognised for bringing child abuser to justice
A Crawley detective who helped secure an 18-year prison sentence for a man, who travelled abroad to sexually abuse a girl, has been recognised for her work.
Detective Constable Tasha Smith received a Divisional Commendation, at Sussex Police’s West Sussex Divisional Awards. This was held at Arundel Castle on September 28.
Working with Crawley CID, DC Smith gathered evidence against the offender – who regularly travelled through Gatwick to abuse the girl overseas.
She worked across national borders to support the vulnerable victim and build the case, securing evidence that helped ensure the offender was remanded in custody.
DC Smith, who joined Sussex Police in 2018, said: “When I heard the sentence, I was relieved that he would be in prison for a long time. There are orders in place to ensure he will be monitored and to help prevent any risks to any other victims.
“I was pleased to receive an award and to celebrate the accomplishment with my colleagues and family, but my main focus was always to work hard for a vulnerable victim and to protect other potential victims from being harmed by the defendant.”
Sussex Police confirmed that Fabrizio Torres Brousset, now aged 23 – of Chartham Road, South Norwood – was jailed at Croydon Crown Court, in July 2025.
A spokesperson for the police said: “[He] admitted two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, four counts of making indecent images of children, three counts of arranging or facilitating a sexual offence involving a child, and one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
"He was originally arrested on May 18, 2025 at London Gatwick Airport. He was jailed for 15 years, with an additional three years added to his licence as part of an extended sentence.”
Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Lane, head of Crawley CID, praised DC Smith’s handling of the investigation.
DCI Lane said: “DC Smith supported a vulnerable girl and secured comprehensive evidence to ensure her abuser was brought to justice.
“This was despite the complex challenges involved in the investigation. She has helped ensure a dangerous offender was sentenced to 18 years in prison earlier this year, and demonstrated our determination to get justice for victims of rape and serious sexual assault.”
The awards ceremony celebrated the courage, professionalism and public service of officers and staff across West Sussex. Those attending included High Sheriff of West Sussex, Gary Shipton.
West Sussex Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar said: “Our annual awards recognise the incredible work of individual officers and staff and the professionalism of our teams working to serve the public.
“Every recipient has shown they are a credit to Sussex Police, and they have each made a huge difference to the communities in which they serve
"The awards highlight how day in, day out, our staff and officers rise to overcome complex challenges. From supporting sexual abuse victims across international borders, to saving lives in emergencies, I am proud of how they have distinguished themselves.
“Their dedication and service help the force to achieve our priorities: to protect communities, catch criminals, and to deliver an outstanding service.”