Lewes rapist Ian Ellingford sexually abused woman with autism

Ian Barry Ellingford was found guilty of seven sex attacks on the young woman in Sussex.

The 51-year-old caretaker earned the trust of the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, then turned on her.

He “invaded her life” and threatened that if she told anyone about the sexual abuse, she would be abducted.

He turned off security cameras at his workplace and forced himself on her.

She described how she froze, felt trapped and did not know what to do.

Then over a year-long period the married father had sex with her another six times, including in a car at Stanmer Park.

He boasted about the thrill of being caught by police who were nearby.

At Lewes Crown Court Ellingford was found guilty of raping a woman with a mental disorder, and was jailed for a total of 12 years.

Lewes Crown Court.

Oliver Dunkin, prosecuting, said Ellingford had shown a massive “abuse of trust”.

The court heard how the victim was afraid of Ellingford, but had to give her evidence in the trial.

Testifying “triggered post-traumatic stress”, “flashbacks” and “suicidal thoughts”, she said.

She spoke of finding it difficult to get back to being the person she used to be.

Jennifer Knight QC, defending, said her client had not accepted guilt for what happened.

She said his marriage was failing at the time of the offences.

Her Honour Judge Janet Waddicor said Ellingford had accessed files on the then teenage girl.

The judge said the victim did not have good reasoning skills and was diagnosed with learning difficulties.

“She was incredibly vulnerable,” the judge said. “Her special needs made her very naive and vulnerable. She doesn’t understand social interactions and situations. You exploited that.

“You presented yourself as a rather avuncular figure, asking her about boyfriends and established yourself as a special friend.

Rapist Ian Ellingford has been jailed for abusing a young woman with learning difficulties

“To help her feel grown up you gave her money for tobacco and helped her roll cigarettes. But over time you became jealous if you thought she had a boyfriend.

“Behind the friendliness was a sexual interest. She had no idea what you were planning for her.

“On the first occasion you disabled security cameras and removed her clothing. She froze as you performed oral sex and raped her. She felt trapped and didn’t know what to do.

“Over the next two years you contrived to become more and more involved in her life, turning up uninvited to give her lifts home. You invaded yourself into her life and those of her family and friends.

“Later you made her believe that she would disappear if she told anybody what was going on. You said you had friends who could take her away. That threat left its mark. Whenever she saw a van, she was terrified, thinking she was going to be abducted.”

Ellingford, of Ripe Lane, Firle, near Lewes, is now behind bars for the sex attacks.

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