MARK STANKUS FROM MAESTEG JAILED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LITTLEHAMPTON

On the night of September 2, 2023, a distressing incident unfolded in the town centre of Littlehampton, involving a woman who was subjected to a sexual assault by an unknown male assailant. The victim was walking alone through the area when she was followed and then physically attacked by the perpetrator, who forcibly sexually assaulted her, pushed her to the ground, and quickly fled the scene, leaving her shaken and injured.

Authorities responded swiftly after receiving the report of the assault. CCTV footage played a crucial role in the investigation, revealing that the suspect had been loitering in the town centre for approximately an hour prior to the attack. The footage showed him following the woman into a residential area, raising concerns that he might pose a continued threat to other women in the vicinity. Despite a thorough search of the area by police officers, the suspect could not be immediately located, adding to the urgency of the investigation.

Further CCTV evidence indicated that the suspect had been observed following other women around the town centre, suggesting a pattern of predatory behaviour. Recognising the potential ongoing danger, police officials decided to deploy plainclothes officers to monitor the area discreetly and apprehend the suspect if he reappeared.

In the early hours of Sunday, October 1, the covert operation bore fruit. CCTV footage captured a female officer in her twenties being followed by a man matching the suspect’s description. The man tailed her for over 30 minutes, moving through the town centre, along the seafront, and into the residential area of Harsfold Road. During this pursuit, he was seen wearing a face covering, and at one point, he chased after the officer, physically grabbing and assaulting her. The officers involved in the operation responded promptly, intercepting and arresting the suspect before he could escape.

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Mark Stankus, a resident of High Street in Littlehampton. He was subsequently charged with sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm. During legal proceedings, Stankus pleaded guilty to all charges. On Friday, April 19, at Portsmouth Crown Court, he was sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, he was issued a restraining order and was registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm to the community.