DAVID CONNOLLY SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN CROWBOROUGH

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Crowborough, Sussex, David Connolly has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. The offences took place over a period spanning from 1998 to 2000, during which Connolly, then a serving police officer, committed heinous acts against a girl who was under the age of 15 at the time.

Connolly, aged 61 and residing on Norwood Hill Road in Charlwood, Surrey, was accused of raping and sexually abusing the young girl in various locations, including his own residence and his vehicle. It is important to note that the victim was known to him personally, and the crimes were not connected to his professional duties as a police officer. The allegations only came to light many years later, when the victim, now a woman in her 30s, decided to come forward and report the incidents to the authorities.

The report was made in August 2020, prompting a thorough investigation by Sussex Police. At that time, Connolly had already retired from his position in law enforcement. The victim received support from specialist officers trained to handle such sensitive cases, and during the investigation, she disclosed multiple incidents of abuse spanning different locations, including Connolly’s home and his car. These disclosures formed the basis of the charges brought against him.

In January 2024, Connolly was formally charged with three counts of rape of a girl under 16, two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14, and six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16. The case proceeded to trial at Brighton Crown Court, where on October 24, Connolly was found guilty of several charges, including rape of a girl under 16, two counts of indecent assault, and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14.

Following the verdict, the court sentenced Connolly on Friday, January 28, to serve 11 years in prison for his crimes. The sentencing marked a significant moment of justice for the victim and the community, emphasizing the importance of reporting and prosecuting sexual offences regardless of the passage of time.

Detective Constable Katrina Davies expressed her support for the victim, stating, “David Connolly subjected a young girl to repeated, appalling sexual abuse. The victim has had to grow up with the trauma of that abuse, which makes her bravery in reporting Connolly to the police all the more remarkable. I would like to thank her for her courage and strength throughout this process. Thanks to her, an extremely disturbing individual is now safely behind bars.”

Furthermore, Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour highlighted the importance of encouraging victims to come forward, saying, “We want victims of sexual offences to feel confident reporting to Sussex Police, knowing they will be supported and that we will do all we can to get them justice. No matter how long ago a crime took place, please report it to us. We will listen to you and we will work tirelessly to get the positive outcome you deserve.”