REGINALD COLLINS SHOREHAM AND WORTHING SEXUAL ASSAULT SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Shoreham and Worthing, a 62-year-old man named Reginald Collins has been sentenced to four years in prison following his conviction for sexually assaulting a young boy. The incident, which took place over a span of nearly two months, has raised serious concerns about safety and the need for increased surveillance in public spaces such as Worthing Pier.

According to court records, Collins, who resides on Freehold Street in Shoreham, was found guilty at Chichester Crown Court of one count of sexual assault and one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming. The offences occurred between April 1 and May 22 of the same year, during which time both Collins and the victim were engaged in fishing activities at the pier.

Details of the case reveal that Collins initially befriended the young boy, who was also fishing at the pier, establishing a seemingly innocent relationship. However, as the days progressed, Collins continued to maintain contact with the boy through various means, which eventually led to a sexual assault in May. The nature of their interactions and the grooming process were uncovered during the investigation, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

The boy’s mother played a crucial role in bringing the incident to light. She became suspicious after noticing unusual behavior from her son and decided to check his phone. It was through this examination that she discovered evidence of Collins’s inappropriate contact and was subsequently alerted to the potential danger her son was in.

Following the evidence and the guilty plea, Collins was sentenced on Monday to serve four years behind bars. The case has prompted calls from the community for enhanced security measures, including the installation of more CCTV cameras along Worthing Pier, to prevent similar incidents in the future. The mother’s plea underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for protective measures in public recreational areas to safeguard children from predators.