OAP in court accused of sexually assaulting girl, 4, in Crawley supermarket

Hugh Unwin, 75, of Garden Walk, West Green, was charged with sexually assaulting the girl on Sunday (September 6) when he appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday September 7).

He was remanded in custody until September 25.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said officers were called to the store when a mother noticed a man ‘acting suspiciously’ around her four-year-old daughter who was sitting in the shopping trolley just before noon.

A spokesman said: “She remained with the trolley, but the assault allegedly happened when she had her back turned to pick an item up off of a shelf.”

The mother intervened and the man made off. However, he was detained by security staff.

The girl suffered no physical injuries but arrangements were made for her to talk to specialist officers.

Detective Inspector Alan Pack said: “I understand that this will be worrying for all parents, but it is a rare incident and reinforces that vigilance pays off.

“If you were in the store around the time and saw anything suspicious or believe you have information that could be relevant to our investigation, please email [email protected] or call 101 quoting serial 603 of 06/09.”

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