PORTSLADE PAEDOPHILE IAN SKILLING SENTENCED FOR SECOND CHILD SEX OFFENCE IN A DECADE

In a case that has once again highlighted the ongoing concerns surrounding child safety and sexual offences, Ian Skilling, a 49-year-old man from Portslade, was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl. The incident took place in Steyning in 2016, and the court proceedings revealed a troubling history of Skilling's criminal behaviour involving minors.

Skilling, who is employed as a driver and resides on Wolseley Road in Portslade, was brought before Portsmouth Crown Court on September 7. The conviction followed a trial where he was found guilty on July 9 of sexually assaulting a girl, an offence that has now added to his criminal record. The court also considered his breach of a strict legal order designed to prevent him from engaging in further offences involving children.

This order, known as a Sexual Offence Prevention Order (SOPO), was originally imposed in March 2010 and placed severe restrictions on Skilling’s contact with anyone under the age of 16. Despite these restrictions, Skilling was found to have violated the conditions of this order, prompting the court to take a stern stance on his case.

The sentencing resulted in a total of seven years behind bars for Skilling, with an additional three-year period of extended licence supervision once he is released. The authorities also confirmed that Skilling will be registered as a sex offender for life, a measure that aims to monitor and restrict his activities moving forward.

Furthermore, Skilling was issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which police officials stated would significantly limit his access to children under 16. This order is part of ongoing efforts to prevent further harm and ensure community safety.

The case was thoroughly investigated by the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit, which uncovered Skilling’s previous criminal history. In March 2010, he was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16, marking a pattern of concerning behaviour over the past decade.

Police and safeguarding authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting in cases involving potential threats to children. Skilling’s case serves as a stark reminder of the need for strict enforcement of protective orders and the importance of community awareness in safeguarding vulnerable minors.