Keith Williams 60

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A man has been sentenced for the rape and sexual abuse of a girl in Sussex.

Keith Williams, 60, carried out the abuse on the girl over a number of years.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been supported by specially trained officers.

The incidents were reported to Sussex Police in May 2020 after the victim confided in a family member, who raised the alarm.

Officers then arrested Williams.

Detective Sergeant Nick Green praised the victim for her courage to come forward.

At Hove Crown Court on Friday, September 20, Williams was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison.

The court was told how the girl made a report in May 2020, reporting rape and sexual abuse.

Williams, of Tintern Close, Eastbourne, was found guilty after trial of four counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13.

He was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching, and one count of child cruelty.

The five day trial at Lewes Crown Court concluded on Friday, August 2.

DS Green from the Eastbourne Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: “Williams carried out heinous crimes that breached the trust of his victim.

“She showed tremendous bravery and courage to report her experience to police.

“We take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously, and encourage victims to report their experience to police.

“We were determined to get justice for the victim and for other victims, to ensure that dangerous offenders are taken off our streets.”