HORSHAM AND NEW ROMNEY SEX OFFENDERS PATRICK AND DAVID PEARLESS SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AGAINST CHILDREN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Horsham and New Romney, a father and son have been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against young children in West Sussex.

Patrick Pearless, aged 75 and residing on Dymchurch Road in New Romney, along with his son David Pearless, aged 48 from Macleod Road in Horsham, faced justice at Hove Crown Court. The court proceedings culminated on Friday, 31 May, following a rigorous two-week trial that concluded with their convictions on 23 May.

Patrick Pearless received a sentence of three years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of fourteen. The court heard that these offences took place at an address in Thakeham, West Sussex, where the family resided during the early 1990s. The nature of the crimes was particularly disturbing, involving inappropriate acts committed against a young girl.

His son, David Pearless, was handed a significantly harsher sentence of 12 years. He was convicted on ten counts, which included multiple indecent assaults on the same girl, inciting another girl under fourteen to perform an act of gross indecency, and indecent assault on a boy under the age of fourteen. The severity of his crimes and the number of victims involved contributed to the length of his sentence.

Both men will be required to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives, a measure that underscores the gravity of their offences and the ongoing threat they pose to the community. The case has brought to light the disturbing history of abuse that took place decades ago, at a time when the victims were vulnerable and unable to seek help.

Authorities and community members alike have expressed their outrage and concern over the crimes committed by the Pearless family, emphasizing the importance of justice for the victims and the need for continued vigilance in protecting children from such predatory behavior.