Three generations of family members of a youngster who abused her from the age of six have been convicted for the sexual offences they carried out in their family home
A young girl was sexually abused by three generations of her own family during years of abuse, a court heard. A dad, grandad and two brothers have been convicted for the offences against the girl, who can’t be named for legal reasons.
The abuse took place in the West Sussex family home, where the mother allegedly turned a blind eye. Hove Crown Court heard that the girl’s younger sister also suffered physical abuse from the family members.
The girl, who is now in her teens, said she remembered being attacked from the age of six. The court heard that she was repeatedly raped by her father and two brothers and also sexually assaulted by her grandfather, according to the Sun.
The girl’s mum, dad, grandad and two brothers have been jailed for more than 100 years after being convicted of a string of offences, including rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment. The court heard that when the girl told her mum about the abuse she was enduring she was beaten, locked in a cupboard, had her mouth taped up and went without food for two days.
The girl was burnt with cigarettes, beaten with a horse whip and spat on, the court heard. She also had any money given to her on special occasions snatched by her mother.
At age 12, the girl bravely told her teacher about the abuse as she said she was afraid to go home. She told police: “I told how my parents keep abusing me and they’ve been doing it for years. Then I started explaining all the sexual stuff.”
Her father, 43, was convicted of five counts of rape of a child under 13; one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13; three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and three counts of cruelty to a person under 16.
The mother, also 43, was found guilty of four counts of cruelty to a person under 16; two counts of false imprisonment and one count of perverting the course of justice.
The grandfather, 70, was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. The older brother, 23, was found guilty of four counts of rape of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The younger brother, 20, was convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13; two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The family members cannot be named due to legal reasons.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour previously said: “This has been a complex investigation that has had a profound impact on the two victims. Our priority continues to be ensuring their welfare and safeguarding in this highly traumatic and distressing case.
“We have worked alongside partner agencies to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of the young victims. Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for Sussex Police. We encourage all victims of rape and serious sexual offences to report their experience to us.
“Our officers have been determined to get justice in this case, and we are pleased with the guilty verdicts returned by the jury. We urge the public not to speculate about the case online as this may jeopardise the victims’ legal right to anonymity.”
Rape Crisis England & Wales works to end child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence.
Call the charity’s support line free 24/7 on 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
