BRADLEY MARTIN SENTENCED TO 31 YEARS FOR RAPE OF CHILD IN EAST SUSSEX
A man from East Sussex, Bradley Martin, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a young child.The 29-year-old resident of Chandler Road in Bexhill was found guilty of multiple counts of raping a three-year-old girl during a period spanning from April to October 2022.
The investigation into Martin’s actions was initiated after the child's mother took her to a hospital in Hastings for medical examination.
The mother’s concerns arose when medical staff observed unexplained injuries on the child, prompting them to alert Sussex Police.
This crucial step led to a thorough investigation into the child's injuries and the circumstances surrounding them.
Following the police response, Bradley Martin was arrested on October 26, 2022.
During the subsequent search of his belongings, authorities discovered incriminating evidence, including his phone, which contained searches such as “how do police know if something has been penetrated?” and “how many years for sex offenders in Bexhill?” These searches indicated Martin’s awareness of police procedures and suggested premeditation.
Further examination of his device revealed a disturbing collection of illegal images.
Police found 127 images depicting extreme pornography involving both animals and humans, highlighting the severity of his criminal behavior.
Martin was formally charged with three counts of raping a child under the age of 13.
He was remanded into custody while awaiting trial.
Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty to all charges, Martin’s fate was sealed at Hove Crown Court.
On July 3, during the trial, the jury found him guilty of all the charges.
The sentencing took place on September 29 at Hove Crown Court, where Martin was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
An additional eight years will be served on extended licence, ensuring he remains under supervision after his release.
As part of his punishment, Martin was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
This order imposes strict restrictions on his access to children and digital devices, aiming to prevent any further harm.
Detective Constable Kelly Yates, from the Hastings Safeguarding Investigations Unit, commented on the case, stating, “Bradley Martin abused his young victim in the most heinous way, uncovered thanks to the care of the child's mother and the diligence of medical professionals.
My thanks go to the victim and their family for their courage and determination through what has been an extremely difficult process.
With their support, we have been able to put Martin behind bars for a significant amount of time and put steps in place to ensure he can cause no further harm to the public.”
