A Brighton man has been jailed after he was found guilty of indecent assault on two girls in the mid-1980s.
Ronald Coggins, 72, of Downs Way, Woodingdean, appeared at Lewes Crown Court, where the jury heard that he allowed the girls, aged 14 and 15 at the time, to ride his horses at Waterhall and a local stables.
Judge Richard Hayward said that Coggins sexually groomed his victims into full sexual relationships. He said that it was an appalling breach of trust.
After a trial lasting just over two weeks, Coggins was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault contrary to section 14(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 on two females between August 1986 and June 1988.
On Monday (1 September) he was jailed for six and a half years, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Tracey Dixon said: “I would like to thank the victims for their help and bravery in bringing these terrible offences to justice, having lived with them for nearly 30 years.
“After all this time, it is a great weight off their shoulders. They are very pleased with the result and now feel that they can move on with their lives.
“The courage of the victims in coming forward demonstrates that police will take historic sex offences seriously and victims can be confident that they will get a professional, caring and confidential response from police and supporting agencies.
“All reports of sexual or physical abuse will be taken seriously, however long ago they may have occurred. Anyone with concerns can email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call us on 101 at any time and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced detectives.
“If you wish, we can also help you to find further welfare and counselling support from other agencies.”
