Hove Crown Court convicted Paul Latham Saltdean Paedophile wgo was found guilty of penetrative sexual intercourse with a 13 to 15-year-old female in Brighton.
The court heard how Paul Latham, then 47, knew the girl was underage but had intercourse with her at houses in Hove and Woodingdean.
The jury decided in November 2022 that he is guilty of two counts of Penetrative Sexual Activity with the victim.
Now aged 65, Paul Latham was not found guilty of rape.
Judge Jeremy Gold KC sentenced him to nine years in jail.
Unemployed Paul Latham of Wicklands Avenue, Saltdean, will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life and spend a minimum of six years before he may be considered for parole.
The judge also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, effectively limiting Paul Latham’s access to youngsters.
For legal reasons, the victim—who cannot be identified—described how the abuse had made her feel degraded and still suffers anxiety.
Though she thought Paul Latham had used her as a child, she is now reconstructing her life and is glad justice has been done.
Investigator Detective Sergeant Andy Lawrence said that, following her 2018 report, the victim received assistance from specifically trained police.
Detective Constable Lisa Hampson of the squad investigating sexual offences helped them to press charges against Latham, therefore guaranteeing a conviction.
DS Lawrence said: “Predatory sex offender Paul Latham has now faced punishment for preying on a young adolescent girl.
“In this instance, the victim displayed remarkable tenacity and bravery.” She has been resolute over a very trying period.
“We have put great effort into getting this conviction. Sexual offence victims will always be assisted, and we treat their reports very seriously.
“We want the result of this case to provide sexual crime victims the confidence to come forward and provide information to us.
“We will try to get justice regardless of how long the offence was committed.”
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