Former school caretaker, from Firle, jailed for sex offences against girl in Brighton

A man from Firle, who befriended a vulnerable pupil at a Brighton school where he worked as a caretaker and sexually abused her for more than three years, has been jailed.
By Isabella Cipirska
Published 28th Apr 2021, 15:12 BST
Updated 7th May 2021, 16:21 BST
Ian Ellingford has been jailed. Photo: Sussex PoliceIan Ellingford has been jailed. Photo: Sussex Police
Ian Ellingford has been jailed. Photo: Sussex Police

Ian Ellingford, 51, a caretaker, now of Ripe Lane, Firle, East Sussex, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 22 April, having been convicted of seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault against the girl, who was a teenager at the time of the offending, police confirmed.

Detective Constable Suzy MacLintock said: “The girl was particularly vulnerable when Ellingford encountered her.

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“He committed a series of sexual offences against her, knowing that she was at the time not in a position to readily resist him, subjected her to a series of assaults.

“Eventually she became sufficiently confident to disclose what had happened to her.”

Ellingford was given a prison sentencing totalling 12 years.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “If you or anyone you know is being subjected to sexual or other abuse, you can do something about it.

“See this link to the Sussex Police website showing how you can report, talk in confidence to experienced investigators, and get access to a range of expert support and advice.”