Hailsham pensioner jailed for raping girl in Crawley over 40 years ago

A Hailsham man has been given a 10-year prison sentence for raping a girl in Crawley more than 40 years ago, Sussex Police said.
Sussex PoliceSussex Police
Sussex Police

Eric Jones, 85, of Ashley Gardens, Hailsham, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, January 7, after being found guilty by a jury on December 11, Sussex Police said.

The retired man was committed of one count of rape against a young girl in the 1970s while he was living in Crawley, a police spokesman said.

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Detective Constable Rees Hopcraft said: “I would like to praise the bravery of the victim who has, after all these years, come forward to report the offences. She had to re-live the traumatic experience by providing evidence and sitting through the court process following Jones’s not guilty plea.

Sussex PoliceSussex Police
Sussex Police

“The victim’s willingness to aid our investigation helped ensure that justice was done."

Jones will be a registered sex offender for life, the police spokesman said.

Mr Hopcraft said: “Jones showed little remorse for his behaviour and the seriousness of this has been reflected in his sentence.

"If you have been the victim of such offences or know of someone who has, you can contact us at any time online or by calling 101 and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators."