EASTBOURNE MAN JAILED FOR SEX ASSAULT IN WORTHING

A man received a prison sentence of over two years after committing a sexual assault on a woman nearly eight years ago. Robert Brown-Percival, who resides in Colonnade Gardens, Eastbourne, was sentenced to 28 months at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday. The 50-year-old, currently unemployed, pleaded guilty to assaulting a 21-year-old woman at his flat on Eriswell Road in Worthing during July 2014. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for a decade. Detective Constable Andy Roe from the West Sussex safeguarding investigations team commented: "Brown-Percival became acquainted with the victim through their shared employment in Worthing. That evening, after a meal, a group of friends visited his flat, where he exploited her vulnerability by assaulting her while she was asleep for his own sexual gratification. The victim reported the incident the following month, but by then, Brown-Percival had moved homes and was untraceable until he was located three years later in Eastbourne. The victim has expressed her relief that justice has been served. We remain committed to ensuring offenders like him are held accountable." For resources on reporting sexual offences and available support services, see the Sussex Police website.