OLIVER CONNOR SENTENCED IN LANCING AND CRAWLEY FOR DECADES-OLD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that spans nearly two decades and multiple locations across Sussex and Berkshire, Oliver Connor, a 73-year-old man from Blackstock Crescent in Sompting, has been convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offenses committed in the past. The recent sentencing follows a lengthy investigation into allegations that date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, involving victims from Slough, Burnham Beeches, and Crawley.

On Friday, 16 May, Lewes Crown Court found Connor guilty of an indecent assault on a young girl in Crawley, a crime he committed nearly 20 years ago. The victim, who was only 12 years old at the time, had been introduced to Connor through her family, and the assault took place at an address in Crawley. This conviction marked a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of historical sexual abuse.

Prior to this, Connor had already been serving a substantial prison sentence. In July 2012, he was sentenced to twelve and a half years at Reading Crown Court for a series of sexual assaults on two young girls in Slough and Burnham Beeches, which occurred between 1979 and 1982. His criminal record also includes convictions for attempted rape, rape, and multiple counts of indecent assault involving a 12-year-old girl, with the crimes spanning from 1979 to 1982. An additional case involving an eight-year-old girl in Slough was retried last week, resulting in a guilty verdict for Connor.

Detective Constable Ollie Summers of Crawley CID emphasized the importance of the recent conviction, stating, “News of this conviction encouraged the Crawley victim to come forward later in 2012. We worked with her in a thorough investigation which included liaison with colleagues from Thames Valley Police in order to better understand Connor’s previous crimes which helped to strengthen our case against him.” He further added, “She gave evidence in court and this has now achieved some justice for her and will hopefully help her to move on with her life. It also shows that we will always take such allegations seriously, no matter how long ago they are said to have happened.”

Connor’s history of residence includes living in Sussex, specifically in Crawley and Sompting, until his arrest by Thames Valley Police two years prior to the recent sentencing. The authorities have urged anyone who may have been victimized by Connor over the past 35 years to come forward and report their experiences. Detective Constable Summers also noted that Connor, who worked professionally as an electrician, was an active member of the Jehovah’s Witness church in various locations, and it was through this community that he met his Crawley victim.

Thames Valley Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, represented by DC Eddie Hurley, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are delighted with the sentencing, and hope it brings some form of closure to the victims after all this time.” The police have made it clear that Connor’s criminal activities were not confined to Sussex but spanned across the UK, with his movements between Sussex and Berkshire over the years. Following his release from prison, Connor will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offenses.