Offender sentenced for sexual activity with teenage girl in Sussex

An offender who committed sexual offences against a teenage girl in Sussex has been jailed for the abuse.

Paul Latham was found guilty at Hove Crown Court of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15 in Sussex.

The court heard how Latham, then aged 47, knew the girl was underage, but engaged in sexual activity with her at addresses in Hove and Woodingdean.

In November last year, the jury  found him guilty of two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with the victim. He was found not guilty of rape.

Latham, 65, unemployed of Wicklands Avenue, Saltdean, was sentenced to nine years in prison by His Honour Judge Jeremy Gold KC.

He will serve a minimum of six years before he can be considered for parole, and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

The judge also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which restricts Latham’s access to children.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described how she had felt degraded because of the abuse, and continues to have anxiety.

She felt that Latham had taken advantage of her as a child, but is now rebuilding her life and is happy that justice has been served.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Andy Lawrence said the victim received support from specially-trained officers after she made her report in 2018.

With support from Detective Constable Lisa Hampson from the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, they were able to bring the charges against Latham to secure the conviction.

Det Sgt Lawrence said: “Predatory sex offender Paul Latham has now faced justice for preying on a young teenage girl.

“The victim in this case showed extraordinary bravery and tenacity. She has remained determined through a very difficult period.

“We have worked tirelessly to secure this conviction. Victims of sexual offences will always be supported and we take their report seriously.

“We  hope that the outcome of this case will give victims of sexual offences the confidence to come forward and report information to us.

“No matter how long ago the offence was we will try to seek justice.”

You can find out more about how Sussex Police investigates rape and sexual assault investigations here.

More information about the support available for victims is available here.