EDWARD SENIOR SENTENCED IN HORSHAM FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention in the Horsham community, Edward Senior, a 31-year-old man with no fixed address and currently unemployed, has been sentenced to six years in prison following his guilty plea to multiple child sex offences. The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, January 20, after Senior had previously admitted to these charges at Crawley Magistrates Court on December 23.

Senior’s criminal conduct involved serious violations of laws designed to protect minors from exploitation and abuse. The charges against him included arranging to meet a child under the age of 16 for sexual activity, which is a grave offence reflecting premeditation and intent to commit sexual acts with a minor. Additionally, he was found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, further emphasizing the predatory nature of his actions.

Furthermore, Senior was found to have breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that had been imposed on him earlier, specifically on January 8, 2016. This order was put in place to restrict his contact with minors and to prevent further offences. The breach indicates a disregard for legal restrictions and ongoing efforts to monitor and control his interactions with children.

As part of his sentencing, Senior was also subjected to an extended licence period of five years, which means that even after serving his prison term, he will remain under strict supervision and legal restrictions to prevent any future offences. This extended supervision underscores the severity of his violations and the ongoing risk he poses.

Detective Sergeant Samantha Jedrzejewska provided a statement highlighting the gravity of Senior’s criminal history. She explained that Senior was already a registered sex offender, having been convicted in January 2016 for engaging in sexual activity with a girl in March 2015. This prior conviction underscores a pattern of concerning behavior and the importance of ongoing monitoring.

She further emphasized that Senior will now be registered as a sex offender for life. The existing SHPO, which includes conditions regarding his residence and contact with minors, will now be enforced indefinitely. The restrictions are particularly severe, including prohibitions on his access to computers or related devices, to prevent further attempts at contact or exploitation of children.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect vulnerable minors and to hold offenders accountable for their actions. The community of Horsham can find some reassurance in the fact that justice has been served, and measures are in place to prevent future harm from individuals like Edward Senior.