Keith Williams, 60, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape and sexual abuse of a young girl in Sussex. The abuse, which occurred over several years, was reported to Sussex Police in May 2020 after the victim confided in a family member.
The girl, whose identity is protected, received support from specially trained officers. Detective Sergeant Nick Green from the Eastbourne Safeguarding Investigations Unit commended her bravery, saying, “She showed tremendous bravery and courage to report her experience to police.”
Williams, residing in Tintern Close, Eastbourne, was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court of multiple charges, including four counts of rape of a girl under 13, sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault by touching, and child cruelty. The trial concluded on August 2, with sentencing at Hove Crown Court on September 20.
DS Green highlighted the importance of taking all reports of sexual abuse seriously and encouraged other victims to come forward. “We were determined to get justice for the victim and for other victims, to ensure that dangerous offenders are taken off our streets,” he stated.
Support services for victims of rape and serious sexual offences are available online, along with information on how Sussex Police investigates these crimes.
