SIMON BERRY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BRIGHTON

SIMON BERRY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BRIGHTON

A man named Simon Berry has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious sexual offences, including two counts of rape, committed against a young boy over a decade.

Over that period, Berry, who was in his early 20s at the time, groomed a child from his local community who was under ten years old.

After gaining the boy's trust, Berry systematically assaulted him for nearly ten years.

Detective Constable Stewart Cameron from the Brighton and Hove safeguarding investigation unit stated that Berry denied all allegations, which led the victim, now in his twenties, to give evidence in court.

Berry, now aged 33, was convicted of 16 counts of sexual assault against the boy, including two rapes.

As a result, he has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Additionally, Berry, of Whitehawk Road, Brighton, will serve a further two years on extended prison licence.

During the court hearing at Southwark Crown Court, Berry was also informed that he will be subject to a lifelong designation as a registered sex offender.

He was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, which imposes strict restrictions on his access to children and digital communication devices.

Detective Constable Cameron emphasised the importance of the victim's testimony, saying, "His evidence was pivotal in securing Berry's convictions.

He has now faced justice at last, which is another example of how effectively we can investigate such predatory offenders and protect our communities."