A man who sexually abused two primary school boys in Hangleton, Falmer and Saltdean was jailed for 13 years for today (Friday 21 October).
Roy Thorp, 72, was jailed for 11 counts of sexually assaulting the boys and five counts of gross indecency with a child.
Some of the offences took place from 1976 onwards in Hangleton, Southwick and the West Sussex village of Ashington. Thorp first abused the first boy when he was seven years old and continued until he was 11.
The other boy was abused from the age of five in Saltdean, Falmer and Newhaven. It started in 1988 and continued until 1996 when the boy was 12 years old.
Thorp, of Brook Way, Lancing, was found guilty after a week-long trial at Chichester Crown Court where he was jailed today by Judge Christopher Parker.
Sussex Police said: “He was also issued with a ‘sexual harm prevention order’, severely restricting his access to children, and will be a registered sex offender for life.”
Detective Constable Claire Mitchell of Worthing CID said: “Thorp came to know both boys and in each case he gained their confidence and took advantage of their natural naivety and vulnerability just for his own sexual gratification.
“They harboured these terrible secrets into adulthood, causing them both great stress and personal problems.
“It was just two years ago that they both summoned up the courage to come forward to us and give us full details of their distressing experiences at Thorp’s hands.
“We particularly admire the way they both had the strength to give evidence in open court so that they could face their abuser personally.”
She added: “Anyone who wishes to report non-recent or recent sexual offences against them or anyone else can always contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 and arrange to talk in confidence to specially trained detectives.”
When Judge Parker sentenced Thorp he commended the victims for their courage in coming forward and giving the evidence that convicted their abuser.
