Bradley Martin, a 29-year-old construction worker residing at Chandler Road in Bexhill, has received a 31-year prison sentence for the heinous rape of a three-year-old child. The disturbing incidents occurred repeatedly between April and October 2022.
The shocking case came to light when the child’s mother, alarmed by unexplained injuries, took her child to a hospital in Hastings. Concerned hospital staff promptly reported the situation to Sussex Police, triggering a comprehensive investigation.
Bradley Martin was apprehended by authorities on October 26, 2022. A search of his phone yielded incriminating evidence, including searches such as ‘how do police know if something has been penetrated?’ and ‘how many years for sex offenders in Bexhill?’. Additionally, officers discovered 127 illegal images of extreme pornography involving both animals and humans.
Subsequently, Martin faced three counts of child rape under the age of 13 and was placed in custody pending trial. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, a verdict was reached at Hove Crown Court on Monday, July 3, finding him guilty of each of the offenses.
In the sentencing hearing at Hove Crown Court on Friday, September 29, Bradley Martin was handed a 23-year prison term, with an additional eight years to be served on extended licence. His name will be included in the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and he has been subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, severely limiting his access to children and digital devices.
Detective Constable Kelly Yates, of Hastings’ Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said: “Bradley Martin abused his young victim in the most heinous way, uncovered thanks to the care of the child’s mother and diligence of medical professionals.
“My thanks go to the victim and their family for their courage and determination through what has been an extremely difficult process.
“With their support we have been able to put Martin behind bars for a significant amount of time and put steps in place to ensure he can cause no further harm to the public.”
More information can be found here about what to do if you are concerned for the safety or well-being of a child – How to report possible child abuse | Sussex Police
