ROY THORP SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST BOYS IN LANCING AND EAST SUSSEX
| Red Rose Database
Lancing Sexual Abuser
In a significant case that has shocked the local community, Roy Thorp, a 72-year-old man from Brook Way, Lancing, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving two young boys. The case was thoroughly investigated by police authorities, culminating in a week-long trial held at Chichester Crown Court in August.
Following the trial, the court found Thorp guilty of a total of 11 counts of sexual assault on a male and five counts of gross indecency with a child. The severity of these charges underscores the gravity of the crimes committed and the impact on the victims involved.
On October 21, during a sentencing hearing presided over by Judge Christopher Parker, Thorp was sentenced to 13 years in prison. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to restrict his access to children, aiming to prevent any further harm. Additionally, Thorp will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life, a measure that reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats such offences.
Police reports detailed that nine of the offences against one of the boys occurred at various addresses and locations across West Sussex. These included five incidents of indecent assault and four of incitement to gross indecency, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior over a period of time.
The second victim was subjected to eight offences, primarily at different locations and addresses, mostly within East Sussex. These offences comprised six counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency, further illustrating the extent of Thorp’s criminal conduct across different areas.
The case has drawn considerable attention due to the nature of the crimes and the age of the victims, prompting ongoing discussions about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. The community of Lancing and the surrounding regions are now left to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing case, while authorities continue to emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Following the trial, the court found Thorp guilty of a total of 11 counts of sexual assault on a male and five counts of gross indecency with a child. The severity of these charges underscores the gravity of the crimes committed and the impact on the victims involved.
On October 21, during a sentencing hearing presided over by Judge Christopher Parker, Thorp was sentenced to 13 years in prison. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to restrict his access to children, aiming to prevent any further harm. Additionally, Thorp will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life, a measure that reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats such offences.
Police reports detailed that nine of the offences against one of the boys occurred at various addresses and locations across West Sussex. These included five incidents of indecent assault and four of incitement to gross indecency, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior over a period of time.
The second victim was subjected to eight offences, primarily at different locations and addresses, mostly within East Sussex. These offences comprised six counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency, further illustrating the extent of Thorp’s criminal conduct across different areas.
The case has drawn considerable attention due to the nature of the crimes and the age of the victims, prompting ongoing discussions about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. The community of Lancing and the surrounding regions are now left to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing case, while authorities continue to emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to prevent such tragedies in the future.