Man jailed for rape and sexual abuse of young girl in Crowborough

Surrey man David Connolly has been jailed for 11 years for rape and other serious sexual offences against a girl in Crowborough.

Connolly, 61, of Norwood Hill Road in Charlwood, Surrey, raped and sexually abused a girl under 15 years of age between 1998 and 2000.

He was a serving Kent Police officer at the time of the offences.

His victim was known to him, and his offending was not linked to his role as a police officer.

The allegations were reported to police in August, 2020, at which time Connolly had retired from policing.

His victim, now a woman in her 30s, was supported by specialist officers and an investigation was launched.

She disclosed a number of incidents in various locations including Connolly’s home and his car.

He was arrested and, in January, 2024, was charged with three counts of rape of a girl under 16; two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 and six counts of indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 16.

On 24 October, Connolly was found guilty of rape of a girl under 16; two counts of indecently assaulting a girl under 16 and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 at Brighton Crown Court.

At the same court on Friday (28 January), he was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Detective Constable Katrina Davies said: “David Connolly subjected a young girl to repeated, appalling sexual abuse.

“The victim has had to grow up with the trauma of that abuse, which makes her bravery in reporting Connolly to the police all the more remarkable.

“I would like to thank her for her courage and strength throughout this process. Thanks to her, an extremely disturbing individual is now safely behind bars.

“If you are a victim of sexual offending, please report it to Sussex Police. Report online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”

Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour said: “We want victims of sexual offences to feel confident reporting to Sussex Police, knowing they will be supported and that we will do all we can to get them justice.

“That is why we have focused so heavily on improving the quality of rape investigations and supporting victims through what we know is an extremely challenging time.

“No matter how long ago a crime took place, please report it to us. We will listen to you and we will work tirelessly to get the positive outcome you deserve.”