EASTBOURNE SEX OFFENDER MARC CORNFORD SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Eastbourne community, Marc Cornford, a 38-year-old man from Percival Road in Eastbourne, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving teenage girls. The conviction was handed down at Hove Crown Court, marking the culmination of a detailed investigation into a series of disturbing incidents spanning over a decade.

According to court records and police reports, Cornford engaged in a pattern of predatory behavior, targeting vulnerable teenage girls who were often in situations where they felt powerless to resist or speak out. His method involved establishing a false sense of trust by befriending the victims through their families and social circles within Eastbourne. By positioning himself as a trusted family friend, Cornford was able to gain access to the girls and manipulate their trust for his own malicious purposes.

The first of these offenses occurred between 1995 and 1997, when Cornford sexually assaulted and raped one of the girls. He continued his abusive behavior over the following years, with another girl being subjected to sexual abuse and rape between 1998 and 2000. The third victim came forward with allegations of sexual assault in November 2010, revealing that Cornford had continued his pattern of abuse over a long period.

During the sentencing, the court was informed that Cornford would serve two-thirds of his 15-year sentence before being eligible for parole. Even if he is released early, he will remain on license for an additional five years, under strict supervision. The judge emphasized the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims, highlighting the importance of justice and protection for vulnerable individuals.

Detective Constable Kat Hughes, a member of the East Sussex CID Child Protection Team, provided a statement emphasizing the manipulative tactics used by Cornford. She explained, “Cornford targeted vulnerable girls who felt powerless to say no. He befriended each of the victims via their parents and family members, all in Eastbourne, and became a trusting ‘friend of the family’ in each case. He was then able to get each of the girls on their own and sexually abuse them. He even gave the first two the false hope that he wanted to have a continuing relationship with them.”

Hughes also praised the bravery of the victims, stating, “This was a complex and distressing case but it shows that all incidents, no matter how historic, can be fully investigated by us, and can be resolved in such a positive way. The victims all showed great courage in coming forward and re-living these horrific events in such a public way, resulting in a dangerous man receiving a lengthy custodial sentence.”