A couple have been sentenced for sexual offences against young girls. 

Graham Burns, 55, unemployed, of Otway Close, Crawley, was given a prison sentence of seven years at Lewes Crown Court today. 

On December 14 Karla Leaworthy, 44, unemployed, of Pegwell Close, Crawley, had been given a two-year Community Order with Supervision at the same court. 

Both had been jointly convicted on November 1 after a trial at the same Court, of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a small girl, between 2011 and 2013.

Burns had also been convicted on September 5 of two offences of sexual assault on another girl aged 13 to 14, and of inciting that same girl to engage in a sexual act, all between 2012 and 2014.

Burns will be a registered sex offender for life, and was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to last indefinitely, severely restricting his access to young girls.

Leaworthy will be a registered sex offender for five years, and was also given a SHPO to last for two years, severely restricting her access to young girls.

Detective Constable Nicola Beard of the West Sussex Safeguarding and Investigation Unit said: "Burns used opportunities to assault a vulnerable young girl, for his own sexual gratification, and he and Leaworthy also carried out sexual activity in the presence of a small child, knowing that the child could see what was happening.

"Particular praise is due to the young girl who was the victim of Burns' offences, She supported the investigation throughout and resolutely gave evidence at his trial.

"We will always aim to support victims who come forward to us, to help them achieve justice wherever the evidence justifies it."