A man formerly of Hurstpierpoint who sexually abused two girls known to him has been jailed.
Oliver Cheesmur targeted both girls, who were both under the age of 13.
The girls, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, have received support from specially-trained officers.
Cheesmur, aged 50, was found guilty after a trial of seven counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of causing or inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.
At Brighton Crown Court on 3 August, he was sentenced to six years in prison.
The court was told how Cheesmur, formerly of Kemps, Hurstpierpoint, carried out the abuse over a three-year period against the girls.
One victim described the ongoing impact the abuse had, leaving her coping with daily panic attacks.
Meanwhile the mother of the other girl described how her daughter has become more isolated and described Cheesmur as a “predator”.
Cheesmur is now a registered sex offender, and the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, as well as a restraining order not to contact the victims which also lasts for ten years.
Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Brenda Meyer said: “I would like to commend both girls for their bravery coming forward to report their experiences to the police.
“We take reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously, and this case demonstrates our determination to both support victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
“We continue to encourage all victims of sexual abuse to report their experiences to the police.”
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