CRAIG McANDREW FROM NEWHAVEN AND WATFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN EAST SUSSEX
| Red Rose Database
Newhaven Child Sexual Abuser
In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention in East Sussex, Craig McAndrew, a 34-year-old man originally from Newhaven, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his conviction for multiple sexual offences involving two young girls. The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, November 8, after a trial held in September, during which McAndrew was found guilty of six separate counts of sexual assault committed over a span of two years, from 2016 to 2018.
McAndrew’s criminal conduct involved repeated sexual assaults against two girls, both under the age of 13, who were known to him. The court heard that four of these offences were committed against one girl, for which he received a sentence of ten years. The remaining two offences involved the other girl, resulting in a three-year sentence. These sentences are to be served consecutively, meaning one follows the other, leading to a total prison term of 14 years and three months.
In addition to his prison sentence, McAndrew will be subject to a further year on extended licence, a measure that extends his supervision period after release. Furthermore, he was handed an additional three-month sentence, also to run consecutively, for the offence of absconding from court during his trial in September. The court issued a warrant for his arrest following his disappearance, and after publicity about his case, McAndrew surrendered himself at Watford Police Station on September 21.
The trial had initially commenced in September, with McAndrew attending until the following day, September 10, when he unexpectedly absconded. Despite his absence, the court proceeded and found him guilty of all charges on September 16. His actions led to a police investigation, and he was subsequently located and taken into custody in Watford, where he was living at the time. As part of his sentence, McAndrew will also be registered as a sex offender for life, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was imposed, which will remain in effect indefinitely. This order imposes strict restrictions on his contact with anyone under 18, aiming to prevent any future harm.
Police in East Sussex have been actively searching for McAndrew since he went on the run. Authorities believe he may be in the Watford area of Hertfordshire, where he originally grew up. McAndrew, who works as a removals worker, is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, slim build, with short straight ginger hair and green eyes. At the time of the search, it was unknown what clothing he was wearing, and he was not believed to have access to a vehicle.
His trial had begun at Lewes Crown Court on September 9, with charges including ten counts of sexual assault on two girls known to him. The offences against one girl numbered eight, while two offences involved the other girl. McAndrew attended court until lunchtime on September 10, but then disappeared, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest. Despite his absence, the court continued with the proceedings and ultimately convicted him of all charges in his absence on September 16. Detective Constable Julie Nightingale of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit emphasized the ongoing efforts to locate him, stating, “We are in touch with colleagues in Hertfordshire Constabulary who are assisting in the search but if you have seen McAndrew in Herts or in Sussex please contact us right away on 101 or 999, quoting serial 737 of 19/09.”
McAndrew’s criminal conduct involved repeated sexual assaults against two girls, both under the age of 13, who were known to him. The court heard that four of these offences were committed against one girl, for which he received a sentence of ten years. The remaining two offences involved the other girl, resulting in a three-year sentence. These sentences are to be served consecutively, meaning one follows the other, leading to a total prison term of 14 years and three months.
In addition to his prison sentence, McAndrew will be subject to a further year on extended licence, a measure that extends his supervision period after release. Furthermore, he was handed an additional three-month sentence, also to run consecutively, for the offence of absconding from court during his trial in September. The court issued a warrant for his arrest following his disappearance, and after publicity about his case, McAndrew surrendered himself at Watford Police Station on September 21.
The trial had initially commenced in September, with McAndrew attending until the following day, September 10, when he unexpectedly absconded. Despite his absence, the court proceeded and found him guilty of all charges on September 16. His actions led to a police investigation, and he was subsequently located and taken into custody in Watford, where he was living at the time. As part of his sentence, McAndrew will also be registered as a sex offender for life, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was imposed, which will remain in effect indefinitely. This order imposes strict restrictions on his contact with anyone under 18, aiming to prevent any future harm.
Police in East Sussex have been actively searching for McAndrew since he went on the run. Authorities believe he may be in the Watford area of Hertfordshire, where he originally grew up. McAndrew, who works as a removals worker, is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, slim build, with short straight ginger hair and green eyes. At the time of the search, it was unknown what clothing he was wearing, and he was not believed to have access to a vehicle.
His trial had begun at Lewes Crown Court on September 9, with charges including ten counts of sexual assault on two girls known to him. The offences against one girl numbered eight, while two offences involved the other girl. McAndrew attended court until lunchtime on September 10, but then disappeared, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest. Despite his absence, the court continued with the proceedings and ultimately convicted him of all charges in his absence on September 16. Detective Constable Julie Nightingale of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit emphasized the ongoing efforts to locate him, stating, “We are in touch with colleagues in Hertfordshire Constabulary who are assisting in the search but if you have seen McAndrew in Herts or in Sussex please contact us right away on 101 or 999, quoting serial 737 of 19/09.”