January 2023

Offender sentenced for sexual activity with schoolgirl in Sussex

A pervert who committed sexual offences against a schoolgirl in Sussex has been jailed for the abuse.

Paul Latham was found guilty at Hove Crown Court of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15 in Sussex.

The court heard how Latham, then aged 47, knew the girl was underage, but engaged in sexual activity with her at addresses in Hove and Woodingdean.

In November last year, the jury  found him guilty of two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with the victim. He was found not guilty of rape.

Latham, 65, unemployed of Wicklands Avenue, Saltdean, was sentenced to nine years in prison by His Honour Judge Jeremy Gold KC.

He will serve a minimum of six years before he can be considered for parole, and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

The judge also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which restricts Latham’s access to children.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described how she had felt degraded because of the abuse, and continues to have anxiety.

She felt that Latham had taken advantage of her as a child, but is now rebuilding her life and is happy that justice has been served.