A man from Peacehaven who inflicted years of abuse on a young girl has started an 18 month prison sentence for his crimes.
Stephen Keen, 53, of Collingwood Close, was found guilty at Hove Crown Court on Thursday March 27, of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against the girl, who is now a teenager.
The offences took place over nearly a decade until 2011.
Detective Constable Katherine Upton from Sussex Police said; “This was a very distressing case. The victim whilst helpless endured years of abuse from Keen and it was only in 2012 that she felt able to tell other people.
“We immediately investigated and, working with the local authority Childrens’ Services, uncovered what had happened to her. The experience is likely to affect her for the rest of her life.
“Keen pleaded not guilty throughout and the courage of the victim in giving evidence, with the support of special measures to help her in court, including the use of her principal evidence by video recording, was key in securing his conviction.
“We encourage victims of such experiences to come to us in confidence, and admire their increasing readiness to do so. “Their reports are treated sensitively and professionally and we can help them get access to further support and counselling.”