William Harris Crowborough Paedophile, also referred to as William Elliott, 29, a handyman residing at Aldervale Cottages, Crowborough, received a 13-and-a-half-year jail sentence, accompanied by an extended license monitoring requirement of an additional three years, at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, 20 January.
William Harris had already pleaded guilty to raping the girl, who was under 10 years old in 2018, and to producing the most severe category of indecent photos of the same girl.
The court accepted his not guilty pleas to an additional charge of rape and one of sexual contact, both involving the same victim.
Detective Constable David Peek of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit stated, “William Harris exploited this vulnerable and innocent young girl for his own sexual gratification, but his offences were revealed when she reported the incidents to a family member.”
“We were promptly notified, and William Harris was apprehended. His guilty pleas spared his victim from testifying in court.
This case demonstrates our commitment to taking decisive action on such reports, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted whenever feasible and that victims, regardless of age, receive specialised guidance and support.
For details regarding the investigation of sexual offences and available support, refer to the Sussex Police website.
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