A landscape gardener from Horsham who sexually abused a girl over several years has been jailed.
Robert Aynsley, 56, of Windrum Close in Horsham, began abusing the victim when she was 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17.
The abuse was reported to police in May, 2022, and the victim was given specialist support by specialist officers while an investigation was launched.
Aynsley was arrested the same month and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts each of assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempted assault by penetration.
He denied all the offences, but was convicted on all counts on 11 November, 2025, following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.
At the same court on Tuesday, 3 February, he was jailed for 12 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, designed to significantly limit his opportunity to reoffend.
Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said: “Robert Aynsley’s crimes are appalling, sustained and will have a lasting traumatic impact on the victim that she must navigate for the rest of her life.
“I cannot thank her enough for the strength and determination she has shown to first report Aynsley’s offending, then support the investigation and attend court to give evidence. Her resolve has helped put her abuser behind bars.
“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to the police. We will listen, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.”
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