Man jailed for sexual offences against boy in West Sussex

A man has been sentenced for multiple sex offences committed against a young boy in West Sussex.

Gary Woolgar was found guilty by a jury at Lewes Crown Court of the historic offences.

The offences were first reported in 2021 and Sussex Police’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit (SIU) launched an investigation.

Woolgar, 51, formerly a heating engineer from Lancing, was charged and summonsed in November 2022.

He stood trial at Lewes Crown Court and appeared for sentencing on Thursday, August 3.

Woolgar was jailed for a total of 15 years for multiple offences committed between 2013 and 2017

He will be a registered sex offender for life and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, described how the abuse left him feeling frightened and confused.

He said the ongoing impact continues to affect him with anxiety and stress.

The jury found Woolgar guilty of two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a boy, three counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a boy, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and sexual assault by touching on a boy under the age of 13.

He previously admitted possession of a class A drug, namely cocaine, and possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Katherine Wilkins from Littlehampton SIU said: “This was a complex investigation that involved working closely with partner agencies.

“I would like to thank the victim who showed great courage to come forward and report what happened to him, and to all the witnesses who provided evidence to ensure this offender was convicted.

“Woolgar preyed on the boy, and the abuse has had an ongoing impact upon him.

“This case demonstrates that we take reports of sexual offences seriously and throughout we provided support to the victim with specially-trained officers.

“We are determined to get justice for victims of sexual abuse.”

More information about how we investigate reports of rape and serious sexual assault is available on the Sussex Police website.

Further information about help and support for victims is also available on the Sussex Police website.