Six people from the same family have been found guilty of 39 offences – including rape, sexual assault and child cruelty – against two young sisters
A girl was sexually abused by three generations of her family in West Sussex.
Hove Crown Court heard how the girl was sexually assaulted by her father, grandfather and two brothers, while also suffering child cruelty at the hands of her mother.
Six people have been found guilty of 39 offences against two young sisters in the family, Sussex Police said. Two defendants were found guilty of perverting the course of justice. The victims have been supported by specially-trained officers and partner agencies throughout the investigation.
The abuse first came to light when the older sister confided in a member of staff at her school. Her younger sister later revealed she had also been assaulted and neglected by their parents.
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The trial began on September 16, with the defendants found guilty on 39 of 42 charges. The defendants will all remain behind bars until sentencing in 2026.
Sussex Police coordinated with the media to ensure reporting on the case protects the victims’ identities. For legal reasons, the defendants’ names and identities cannot be published.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour said: “This has been a complex investigation that has had a profound impact on the two victims. Our priority continues to be ensuring their welfare and safeguarding in this highly traumatic and distressing case.
“We have worked alongside partner agencies to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of the young victims. Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for Sussex Police. We encourage all victims of rape and serious sexual offences to report their experience to us.
“Our officers have been determined to get justice in this case, and we are pleased with the guilty verdicts returned by the jury. We urge the public not to speculate about the case online as this may jeopardise the victims’ legal right to anonymity.”
The full charges are listed as follows:
- Father, aged 43, was convicted of five counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of cruelty to a person under 16.
- Mother, aged 43, was convicted of four counts of cruelty to a person under 16, two counts of false imprisonment, and one count of perverting the course of justice.
- Grandfather, aged 70, was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13, and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
- Brother, aged 23, was convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
- Brother, aged 20, was convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
- Uncle, aged 49, was convicted of one count of perverting the course of justice.