Lancing rapist jailed after historic abuse of girl, 12

Brian Hoad, 66, first attacked the girl in the 1980s and repeatedly raped her over further four years -including when other family members were in the house.

The woman reported the “abhorrent” and “detestable” abuse years later, Hoad was found guilty of four counts of raping a girl under 16 and two counts of sexual assault on a girl under 16.

Brian Hoad (Image: Sussex Police)

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The abuse was reported to Sussex Police in June, 2021, and Hoad was arrested the following day.

He was subsequently charged and found guilty at trial of all six counts.

Sussex Police have now praised his victim’s courage to come forward and report the crime.

Detective Constable Emily Turner said: “Brian Hoad abused his position of trust and responsibility in the most abhorrent ways, robbing his innocent victim of a normal childhood through his own depraved actions.

“His detestable crimes have had a long-lasting impact, but thanks to her bravery in coming forward he will now spend a significant part of the rest of his life in prison.

“The courage to confront her accuser, support the investigation to prosecution and help bring him to justice cannot be overstated. I would like to personally thank her.

“This should send a clear message to other victims that it is never too late to report a crime. To perpetrators, know that you are never beyond facing justice and we will do everything in our power to catch you.”

Hoad was sentenced to 18 years in prison and was also given an indefinite restraining order to stop him contacting his victim.

The rapist will have to spend at least years in prison before he may be released on parole.