Victims were abused between the ages of 7 and 18; police praise their bravery in coming forward
A Brighton man who sexually abused three young girls over several years has been jailed for seven years.
James Quinto, 31, of Kingswood Street, committed the offences between the early 2000s and 2010, when his victims were aged between seven and 18. Quinto was as young as 10 years old when the abuse began, continuing into his 20s.
The offences came to light in 2021, when one of the victims reported the abuse to police. She came forward after learning that two other women she knew had made similar allegations against Quinto, including one who reported being raped several times as a child.
Following an investigation, Quinto was arrested and charged with multiple child sexual offences, including:
- Rape of a girl under 13
- Six counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl
- Four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching
- One count each of assault by penetration and sexual assault
At Lewes Crown Court on 25 March, he was found guilty of:
- Six counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl
- Two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching
- One count of assault by penetration
- One count of sexual assault
He was found not guilty of rape and two other counts of assault by touching.
At a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, 17 June, Quinto was jailed for seven years.
Detective Constable Hannah Elmer said:
“James Quinto’s victims have grown up with the trauma of his crimes, each having to come to terms with their experiences in their own way.
“They have shown incredible strength and determination to report him to the police and support this investigation. I know how challenging this has been for them, but thanks to their resolve, he has faced justice for his crimes.”
Police continue to encourage survivors of sexual abuse — no matter how long ago it occurred — to report it via 101 or online. In an emergency, always call 999.
