St Leonards man jailed for sexually assaulting young girl

A St Leonards man is starting a prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl.
Michael Surman SUS-190621-162742001Michael Surman SUS-190621-162742001
Michael Surman SUS-190621-162742001

Michael Surman, 73, of Conqueror Road, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (June 21) after a five-day trial, for gross indecency and indecent assault on the girl, then aged under 10, at another address in St Leonards more than 15 years ago.

Surman will also be a registered sex offender for life and in addition to his 10-year sentence will serve a further year on extended release licence.

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The court also heard that in a separate case he had previously been convicted of possessing indecent images of children. The images were taken from the Internet and did not involve any local children.

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Detective Constable Ella Bigsby of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said Surman ‘took advantage of this very young and vulnerable girl for his own sexual gratification’.

She said: “The victim kept this dreadful experience to herself for all this time until last year when unrelated events in her life her triggered her memory and she contacted us.

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“We admire the steadfast way in which she has supported our investigation throughout and gave evidence in court against Surman, the key factor in bringing him to justice.

“We always investigate such offences, no matter how long ago they occurred, and will help the victims to seek justice and access sources of expert advice and support.”

The victim said: “I waited nearly two decades to come forward, but I can now spend the rest of my life knowing Michael Surman can never abuse another child ever again.

“I would strongly urge any child abuse victim, how ever long it has been, to come forward. Ella Bigsby at Sussex Police did exceptional work in helping me get justice and Sussex Police can help you too.

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“If you’re not ready to report to the police yet, I also had help from Survivors’ Network, based in Brighton. They can give you advice and support right from report to court. You can visit their website:”

For further information about investigation of sexual offences and the advice and support available see the Sussex Police website.