LANCE STRIDE FROM HOVE SENTENCED FOR REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRL AND YOUNGER CHILD

In April 2019, Lance Stride, a 45-year-old man residing in Brunswick Square, Hove, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of two young girls, one of whom was a teenager at the time of the abuse. The case was heard at Lewes Crown Court, where Stride faced charges of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. After a thorough trial, the jury found him guilty based on what the judge described as 'the most compelling evidence.'

Judge Christine Laing sentenced Stride to a lengthy term of 21 years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the profound impact on his victims. She described his crimes as 'terrible' and underscored the long-lasting harm inflicted upon the victims, highlighting the devastating consequences of child sexual abuse.

The older victim, now an adult, provided emotional testimony during the trial. She revealed her desperate attempts to prevent the abuse, stating, 'I did not know how to stop it. I tried to make myself unattractive to stop him from doing it.' She recounted how she deliberately stopped washing and even gained weight in an effort to deter Stride from raping her. Despite her efforts, the abuse persisted, and she was subjected to at least six instances of rape by Stride.

Her fears extended beyond her own safety; she stopped communicating with friends, worried that Stride might find them and subject them to similar abuse. The court was also informed that she contracted a sexually transmitted infection from Stride, and she now struggles with mental health issues, including insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Prosecutor Fern Russell revealed that Stride's misconduct extended to a younger girl, who also suffered sexual abuse at his hands. This victim experiences anxiety, auditory hallucinations, and often talks to herself, symptoms attributed to the trauma inflicted by Stride.

Judge Laing addressed Stride directly, noting that the jury's verdict was supported by 'the most compelling evidence.' She condemned his manipulation of the victims, stating, 'The harm from child sexual abuse is so well known that for your few occasions of sexual gratification, you have rendered [the victims] to long-term harm, perhaps for life.' The judge also criticized Stride for instilling fear in his victims, warning them that speaking out could lead to worse consequences, which effectively silenced them and allowed the abuse to continue.

In her remarks, Judge Laing expressed regret for the impact on Stride's partner and father, but emphasized that in such cases, it is the innocent who suffer the most. The court's decision reflects the gravity of Stride's crimes and the enduring damage caused by his actions in Hove and beyond.