COLIN FINCH FROM CRAWLEY JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES IN LONDON ROAD

In September 2004, a man named Colin Finch, residing on London Road in Crawley, was sentenced to prison following serious allegations of child sexual abuse. The case came to light after police investigations uncovered disturbing evidence during his arrest on suspicion of assaulting a young child under the age of 10.

Finch, aged 38 at the time, faced multiple charges including nine counts of indecent assault and acts of indecency involving a minor. The authorities found that he had written pornographic stories depicting young girls, which further highlighted his troubling interests. These stories were discovered during the police search related to his arrest, revealing a disturbing pattern of behavior.

During the court proceedings at Lewes Crown Court, it was revealed that Finch had a prior conviction from 1981, following an assault on another young girl. This history underscored a long-standing pattern of predatory behavior.

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall addressed Finch directly, describing his actions as stemming from an 'unhealthy fascination' with young girls. The judge emphasized the profound impact Finch’s crimes had on his victim, stating that the assault had irrevocably damaged her childhood.

As part of his sentencing, Finch was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to serve an extended license period of three years upon his release, during which he would be under strict supervision. The court also imposed a lifelong ban preventing him from working with children, and his name will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community.