Horsham man convicted of sexually abusing girl from the age of five

Horsham man Keith Clifton has been found guilty of a string of rapes and sexual abuse against a young girl over several years.

Clifton, 58, of Tanyard Close in Horsham, first began abusing his victim when she was four years old, subjecting her to sexualised behaviour and sexual assaults.

On her 5^th birthday, Clifton began to rape her, continuing on a regular basis until she was around 13 years old.

Clifton was arrested at his home in 2018 after the victim, who is now a woman in her 20s, approached Sussex Police.

She was given support by specialist officers while a thorough investigation was launched.

He was subsequently charged with six counts of rape of a girl under 13, five counts of assault by penetration, four counts of assault by touching, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Following a two-week trial at Hove Trial Centre concluding on Friday (23 January), Clifton was convicted of six counts of rape, three counts of assault by touching, two counts of assault by penetration, two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The remaining charges resulted in a hung jury.

Clifton has been remanded in custody to appear before the same court for sentencing on Monday, 23 February.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said: “I cannot commend the victim enough for the incredible strength and courage she has shown to support this investigation and help bring her abuser to justice.

“She is a remarkable woman, forced to live with the trauma of Clifton’s appalling crimes, but with the determination to take back control and hold him accountable for his crimes.

“She will continue to receive the full support of Sussex Police and our partners as we await sentencing, with Clifton remanded behind bars to await the outcome.

“I also commend the investigative team for their diligence in a complex, distressing investigation that has resulted in a successful outcome and another dangerous offender off the streets of Sussex.

“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to us. We will do all we can to get you the justice you deserve.”