Child rapist John Martin Davis jailed for 18 years

John Martin Davis went on trial for repeatedly abusing the youngsters, both under the age of 10, in St Leonards.

He was found guilty of four counts of rape, two of attempted rape, eight counts of sexual assault, two of engaging in sexual activity and one of causing a child to watch images of sexual activity.

The unemployed 33-year-old, who has no fixed address, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, May 17.

Davis will spend 18 years of his sentence in custody and a further seven years will be spent on extended supervision.

He will also be a registered sex offender for life.

Davis will spend 18 years of his sentence in custody

Davis was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) severely restricting his access to children and digital communication devices until further court order.

Detective Constable Nicola Westgate from the East Sussex safeguarding investigations unit said: “I would like to pass my sincere gratitude to all of those involved in the trial.

"You made a real difference and helped to secure the conviction of a very dangerous man.

"The two young victims gave their evidence by video recording, although they still had to face cross-examination, and the court also afforded them other measures to help minimise the impact of the experience for them.

• READ MORE >> Boy found with kitchen knife in Horsham Park

"The sentencing clearly demonstrates the seriousness of the offending by Davis and we hope that it will give the victims a sense of closure and enable them to carry on with rebuilding their lives."

For information and advice on reporting offences against children and the support services available, see the Sussex Police website.