Bexhill man convicted of rapes and sexual assault against young girls

A Bexhill man who raped and sexually assaulted two young girls over several years has been convicted at court.

John Armsby, 46, of Ninfield Road in Bexhill, subjected both girls to repeated rapes and sexual assaults for around four years, starting when one victim was eight years old.

In 2022, both girls disclosed the abuse to a social worker, who reported it to Sussex Police.

They were safeguarded and supported by specialist officers while an investigation was launched.

Armsby was arrested in January, 2022, and a number of seized electronic devices were found to contain indecent images of children.

He was subsequently charged and, at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday (26 March), he was found guilty of five counts of rape of a child, five counts of sexual assault of a child, four counts of possessing/making indecent images of children and one count of assault by penetration of a child.

He has been remanded in custody, to be sentenced on 6 June at a court to be confirmed.

Detective Constable Annie McGarvey said: “These two young girls have shown extraordinary courage to report these horrific crimes and support the investigation through to its conclusion.

“They will have to live with the effects of John Armsby’s appalling offending for the rest of their lives.

“But it is thanks to their bravery that he has been brought to justice and remanded in custody, where he can cause no further harm. I would like to thank both of them, and their families, for the determination they have shown throughout this process.

“If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual offence, please report it to police online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency. We will believe you, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.”