Eastbourne paedophile jailed

Police said Terry Stacey, 32 and a labourer from Eastbourne, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday (March 2) for 18 offences.

According to police, Stacey had pleaded guilty on the first day of his re-trial on June 17 on 11 counts, including rapes of, and other sexual activity with, two girls both under 16 at the time.

He had previously been found guilty at Lewes Crown Court on February 20 after a seven-day trial, on seven other counts, two counts of raping one of the girls, and five counts of possession of indecent and extreme pornographic images, police said.

Officers said Stacey will also be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to last indefinitely, severely restricting his access to children.

Detective sergeant Andy Lawrence of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said, “Stacey got to know these two innocent and vulnerable young girls, building their trust over a period of time. He gradually gained their confidence and then used that for his own systematic sexual gratification.

“Only when a relative of one of the girls spotted some suspicious behaviour by Stacey around one of the girls did what had been happening come to light.”

“Police were swiftly informed and took immediate action to arrest Stacey and ensure the girls were safe.

“The girls were very brave in supporting the prosecution and in giving evidence in court against Stacey, as he insisted on pleading guilty at his first trial.

“I hope this case, and the safeguarding action we and other specialist support services have been able to take, will help them to put these distressing experiences behind them, and move on with their lives.”

A police spokesperson said, “If you are the victim of sexual offending or other abuse, or know someone who has, do not suffer in silence. Contact the police online or by calling 101, and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said, “Stacey horribly violated the trust of two girls who should have been able to grow up in safety. They have been enormously brave in helping to bring him to justice and we hope they are receiving the support they need.

“This case shows how important it is for adults to look out for the warning signs that a child is being abused – and to speak out if they are concerned.

“Adults who wish to report abuse or concerns for a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000. Children can contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 1111.”

Editor’s note: Contrary to our normal policy the full address was removed following a request by Sussex Police.