A 91-YEAR-OLD man has been convicted of historic sexual offences against a girl under the age of 14.

Following a trial at Lewes Crown Court, Peter Cleaver, of Church Road, Hove was found to have committed an act of gross indecency and two indecent sexual assaults on the young girl.

A jury heard that the case was one of non-recent sexual offending dating back to a period between April 1992 and April 1997. The victim was also known to him before the assaults took place.

The accused had been ruled unfit to plead because of poor health, but at the end of a three-day hearing before Recorder William Featherby (Monday, July 3 to Wednesday, July 5) the jury determined that Cleaver had committed the alleged offences.

He has been remanded on bail to return to court on Friday, September 15, when a supervision order will be imposed.

Following the trial, detective constable James Botting, said: "Anyone who wishes to report similar offences, be they recent or non-recent, can always contact us by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, reporting details online here or calling 101 and arranging to talk in confidence to experienced investigators.

"When allegations are reported, police can also make an assessment of any safeguarding risks and take appropriate action where necessary."

Further information and advice about child sexual exploitation issues can be found at sussex.police.uk/advice/protect-yourself-and-others/child-protection/child-sexual-exploitation-cse/cse-advice-for-children-and-young-people/