A pensioner has been jailed for multiple sexual offences on a young girl in West Sussex.
Michael Lamb, 76, was found guilty of six counts of sexual assault by touching on a child under the age of 13, and three counts of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.
The victim, who was known to him, first approached officers in January 2020, over offences committed between 2009 and 2013.
Lamb was arrested and was later charged with the offences.
He stood trial at Lewes Crown Court earlier this year where a jury found him guilty of all charges, and he was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on May 5.
Lamb, of Melrose Avenue, Worthing, was imprisoned for four years and was put on the sex offenders register.
The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which forbids him from having unsupervised contact with children.
It prevents him from residing or working with children and young people, or approaching or talking with children.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Cheyne Garrett said: “The victim showed huge courage to come forward and report these offences which took place when she was a very young girl.
“Lamb denied the offences and has caused trauma to the victim and her family by making them go through a criminal trial.
“This case demonstrates that we take historic sexual abuse very seriously. The victim received support from specialist officers throughout the process.
“We were determined to get justice for the victim, and following a thorough investigation we are pleased with the jury’s verdict.
“Victims of sexual abuse can report offences to us on the Sussex Police website, or self-refer to one of the county’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
“More information and support is available on our website here.”
