A PENSIONER has been jailed for sexually assaulting a young child over many years.

Michael Lamb has been found guilty of six counts of sexual assault by touching on a child under the age of 13, and three counts of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The victim, who was known to the 76-year-old, first approached officers in January 2020 regarding offences committed between 2009 and 2013 in West Sussex.

Lamb was arrested and later charged with the offences.

The Argus: Michael Lamb, 76, of Melrose Avenue, Worthing Michael Lamb, 76, of Melrose Avenue, Worthing

He stood trial at Lewes Crown Court where a jury found him guilty of all charges.

Lamb, of Melrose Avenue, Worthing, has been sentenced to four years in prison, and was put on the sex offenders register.

The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which forbids him from having unsupervised contact with children.

It also prevents him from residing or working with children and young people, or approaching or talking with children.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Cheyne Garrett said: “The victim showed huge courage to come forward and report these offences which took place when she was a very young girl.

“Lamb denied the offences and has caused trauma to the victim and her family by making them go through a criminal trial.

“This case demonstrates that we take historic sexual abuse very seriously. The victim received support from specialist officers throughout the process.

“We were determined to get justice for the victim, and following a thorough investigation we are pleased with the jury’s verdict.

“Victims of sexual abuse can report offences to us on the Sussex Police website, or self-refer to one of the county's Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

“More information and support is available on our website.”

Earlier this month, a man who repeatedly raped and sexually abused a young girl over several years was also jailed.

Brian Matthews first sexually assaulted the child when she was nine years old and continued to abuse her until her late teens.

Matthews, of Bexhill, was sentenced to 19 years in jail.