In 2026, the Offender Database reported on the sentencing of six family members for a “vile” and prolonged campaign of abuse against two young girls in West Sussex. On Friday, 6 February 2026, the defendants appeared at Hove Crown Court following a trial that exposed 39 offences, including rape, sexual assault, and child cruelty.
The investigation established that the abuse was brought to light in January 2025 when the eldest victim disclosed her “serious” ordeal to a school staff member. She detailed a “reprehensible” pattern of rape and sexual assault committed by her father, grandfather, and two brothers, as well as systemic cruelty by her mother. Her younger sister subsequently reported being neglected and assaulted by both parents. The prosecution reported that once the disclosures were made, the wider family “dishonestly” attempted to bully the victims into withdrawing their evidence, leading to additional charges of perverting the course of justice.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the six defendants were found guilty of 39 out of 42 charges following a trial that commenced on 15 September 2025. Sussex Police opted not to name the defendants to ensure the lifelong anonymity of the two victims. The judge noted that the level of “vile” betrayal within the family unit was almost “serious” beyond comprehension. The prosecution emphasised that the victims have been provided with ongoing support from specialist officers and partner agencies to manage the long-term trauma of their experiences.
The judge noted that the father, who received the most substantial sentence, was a “serious” danger to children, having committed multiple counts of rape against a child under 13. The prosecution emphasised that the mother’s role in the “reprehensible” cruelty and false imprisonment of her own children represented a total failure of parental responsibility. For their collective crimes in West Sussex, the court determined that significant custodial terms and extended licences were the only means of protecting the public and acknowledging the “vile” nature of the betrayal.
Sentencing Summary: Hove Crown Court (06/02/2026)
- Father (44): Convicted of five counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of sexual assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault, and three counts of cruelty. Sentenced to 28 years in prison plus a 5-year extended licence.
- Mother (43): Convicted of four counts of child cruelty, two counts of false imprisonment, and one count of perverting the course of justice. Sentenced to 10.5 years.
- Brother (21): Convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). Sentenced to 9.5 years.
- Grandfather (70): Convicted of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. Sentenced to 9 years in prison plus a 1-year extended licence.
- Brother (24): Convicted 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 ABH. Handled via a 3.5-year extension to an existing prison sentence.
- Uncle (49): Convicted of one count of perverting the course of justice for his role in attempting to influence the victims’ evidence. Sentenced to 3 years.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The five male defendants are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Sussex Police and the prison estate. Due to the “serious” and multi-generational nature of the sexual offending, their management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As per the court’s order, the male offenders will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Authorities in West Sussex state that the conclusion of this case marks a “serious” milestone in bringing justice for the two victims who suffered within their own home. Any breach of registration conditions or licence terms upon release will result in their immediate arrest and return to Hove Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.