MICHAEL LAMB SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN JAIL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN WORTHING

A resident of Worthing, Michael Lamb, aged 76, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of committing serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, involved allegations that Lamb engaged in inappropriate touching and coercive acts involving a child under the age of 13.

According to Sussex Police, Lamb was charged with two counts: one of sexual assault by touching on a child under 13, and another of causing or inciting a child under 13 to participate in sexual activity. These heinous acts reportedly took place when the victim was only a very young girl, highlighting the disturbing nature of the crimes.

Detective Constable Cheyne Garrett, who led the investigation, emphasized the bravery of the victim in coming forward. He stated, "The victim showed huge courage to come forward and report [this] which took place when she was a very young girl." Police officers first engaged with the victim in January 2020, after she sought assistance and reported her experiences.

Following her disclosure, Lamb, who resides on Melrose Avenue in Worthing, was swiftly arrested and subsequently charged. His trial took place at Lewes Crown Court earlier this year. The court proceedings culminated in a guilty verdict on all counts, with Lamb being convicted of the serious offenses. On May 5, he was formally sentenced, further compelling the court's duty to protect children from such predatory behavior.

As part of his punishment, Lamb was sentenced to four years of imprisonment. Furthermore, he was registered on the sex offenders' register, a move intended to monitor his activities post-release. The court also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which strictly prohibits Lamb from having unsupervised contact with children. This order also bars him from residing or working in environments where he could have contact with minors, and it prevents him from approaching or communicating with children directly.

Detective Constable Garrett commented on Lamb's denial of the allegations, pointing out the emotional toll such trials take on victims and their families. "Lamb denied the offences and has caused trauma to the victim and her family by making them go through a criminal trial," he said. He reaffirmed police commitment to tackling historic sexual abuse cases, stating, "This case demonstrates that we take historic sexual abuse very seriously. The victim received support from specialist officers throughout the process."

The investigation's thoroughness and the jury's verdict serve as a testament to the authorities' determination to seek justice for victims of such abhorrent crimes. Sussex Police continue to reinforce their stance that sexual abuse, regardless of when it occurs, will be met with unwavering pursuit and appropriate punishment to protect vulnerable members of the community.