In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that a father and son were jailed for a series of non-recent sexual offences against three young children in West Sussex. On Friday, 31 May 2019, Patrick Pearless, then 75, of New Romney, Kent, and his son David Pearless, then 48, of Horsham, West Sussex, were sentenced at Hove Crown Court. It was reported that the “vile” abuse took place during the early 1990s at an address in Thakeham, where the pair resided at the time.
The investigation established that the offences involved two girls and one boy, all under the age of 14 at the time of the attacks. Sussex Police reported that the victims bravely came forward decades after the abuse to seek justice against the family members. The prosecution reported that following a two-week trial in May 2019, both men were convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault and inciting acts of gross indecency in Thakeham, West Sussex.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the impact of the abuse on the survivors was profound and long-lasting. Hove Crown Court heard how the father and son utilised their positions within the domestic environment to facilitate the “monstrous” exploitation of the children. The prosecution reported that while Patrick Pearless was convicted of two counts of indecent assault, his son David Pearless was found guilty of ten counts, reflecting a more prolific and varied pattern of predatory behaviour in West Sussex.
The judge noted the severity of the crimes despite the passage of time since the early 1990s. For his actions in Thakeham, Patrick Pearless was sentenced to three years in prison. His son, David Pearless, was handed a significantly lengthier term of 12 years to reflect the ten counts of abuse involving all three victims. The judge noted that the custodial sentences were necessary to punish the men for the “outrageous” betrayal of the children in their care.
Sentences and Statutory Requirements
For their crimes in England, the defendants were handed the following:
- David Pearless (48): 12 years in prison for 10 counts of indecent assault and inciting gross indecency.
- Patrick Pearless (75): Three years in prison for two counts of indecent assault.
- Sex Offenders Register: Both men were ordered to register as sex offenders for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Hove Crown Court following an investigation by Sussex Police.
- Origin: Dymchurch Road, New Romney, Kent and Macleod Road, Horsham, West Sussex.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Both men are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Sussex Police, Kent Police, and the prison estate. Due to the “predatory” nature of the offences against three children in Thakeham, West Sussex, their management—particularly for David Pearless upon his eventual release—is subject to intensive scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
As members of the Sex Offenders Register, both Patrick and David Pearless must comply with notification requirements regarding their identity and residence for the remainder of their lives. Authorities state that their history of targeting multiple children within a shared residence necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring of their conduct. Any further sexual misconduct or breach of their life-long registration requirements in Horsham, New Romney, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
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.