Man jailed for sexual assaults on young boy

A Crawley man has been sentenced to three years imprisonment over sexual assaults on a young boy in the 1970s.

Retired Barry Millard, 69, of Keymer Road in Crawley was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 in the 1970s.

He was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday.

The offences took place at the then Crawley Boys Club in London Road, and at Millard’s previous address in the town.

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The victim said after the sentencing: “I am grateful to Sussex Police for the compassion and support that was shown to me throughout the investigation. I am still numb but it is a huge relief that finally justice has been done.

“The damage caused is lifelong but hopefully with support from my family and professionals, I can move forward. Without the dedication of the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service this outcome would not have been possible.”

Millard will be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to last until further court order, severely restricting his access to young boys.

Investigator Lucy Hailes said: “The victim has finally received the justice he deserves after a complex two-year process of investigation and prosecution. We admire his courage in coming forward after all these years.

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“Anyone who wants to report offences of this nature, however long ago they have happened, can always contact us via [email protected] or by calling 101, and arrange to talk in confience to experienced investigators.”

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “The offences have no connection whatsoever with a current club, or anyone working there, being operated on the same site as the previous Crawley Boys Club, which closed many years ago.”

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