In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Robert Aynsley, then 56, of Windrum Close, Horsham, West Sussex, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment. On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, the landscape gardener appeared at Lewes Crown Court for sentencing after being convicted of a sustained campaign of sexual abuse against a girl.
The investigation established that Aynsley began abusing his victim when she was just 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17. The “reprehensible” offending was reported to Sussex Police in May 2022, prompting a “serious” investigation and the provision of specialist support for the survivor. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Aynsley “dishonestly” denied all 11 charges against him, forcing a trial that concluded on 11 November 2025.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Aynsley’s crimes were “appalling” and sustained, leaving a lasting traumatic impact on the victim. Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones noted that the survivor showed “serious” strength and determination to provide evidence in court to ensure her abuser was held accountable. The judge noted that the five counts of sexual assault on a child, along with charges of inciting sexual activity and attempted assault by penetration, demonstrated a “vile” and predatory nature.
The judge noted that the 12-year custodial sentence was necessary to reflect the “serious” breach of trust and the duration of the abuse. The prosecution emphasised that a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was also granted to “significantly” limit Aynsley’s opportunities to target further victims. For his crimes in Horsham, West Sussex, the court determined that Aynsley must be subject to the most rigorous monitoring for the remainder of his life.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Robert Aynsley was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 12 years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- SHPO: Made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order with strict restrictions.
- Convictions: Found guilty of five counts of sexual assault on a child, two counts of assault by touching, two counts of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of attempted assault by penetration.
Earlier removal of case information
We would like to apologise for removing the details of this case and waiting for Sussex Police to post their official article. We received the following message from Trisha Aynsley, whom we assumed was related to Robert Aynsley and did not want to risk breaking any reporting restrictions.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Aynsley is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Sussex Police and the prison estate. Due to the “serious” and prolonged nature of his sexual offending in Horsham, his management in West Sussex is subject to high-level oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Aynsley must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Windrum Close, Horsham, West Sussex. Authorities state that the conclusion of this case represents a “serious” milestone in securing justice for the victim. Any breach of his registration conditions, his SHPO, or his licence terms upon release will result in his immediate arrest and return to Lewes Crown Court.
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