St Leonards paedo jailed after 10 years of sexually abusing girl

Christopher Cushman was convicted of 20 counts of sexual abuse before being sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on November 18.

The 64-year-old man, who lived in Ferry Road, Rye, at the time of the offences, but has since moved to Marina in St Leonards, stood trial in October and found guilty of the string of offences which took place between 2005 and 2015 with a girl known to him.

Detective Constable Anton Affonso said: “Cushman subjected the victim to many years of sexual abuse.

“Thankfully she gained the courage to report his behaviour and we able to assist her to bring him to justice.

“Cushman’s behaviour was totally unacceptable but I am pleased he has been punished.”

Cushman was convicted of; two counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, five counts of assault by penetration, eight counts of sexual assault, two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault of a child under 13 and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

The victim, now a woman in her 20s, reported what had happened to her in 2014.

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