A construction worker sexually abused a young girl for years.

Darren Sibley’s offending came to light when a friend of the victim reported the abuse to Sussex Police in 2020.

He repeatedly sexually assaulted the child under the age of 13 between 2011 and 2016.

Officers made contact with the victim and an investigation was launched while she was supported by specialist officers.

Sibley, 40, from St Leonards, was arrested and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempted sexual assault of a child under 13, as well as assaulting an emergency worker and failing to surrender.

At Hove Crown Court on October 24, 2023, Sibley, of no fixed address, was found guilty of three of the sexual offences. He pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and failing to surrender.

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At Lewes Crown Court on Monday, January 8, Sibley was jailed for 15 years and three months.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order significantly reducing his ability to reoffend; a restraining order relating to the victim and will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Cally Fox said: “Darren Sibley rightly faces a significant amount of time behind bars, but the impact of his appalling crimes will last a lifetime.

"I would like to commend the victim for bravely supporting the investigation through to its conclusion. It is not an easy process, but with her determination we have been able to secure a jail sentence for Sibley where he can cause no harm to the public.

“If you or anyone you know is a victim of sexual offences, please report it to police online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency. We will believe you, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice, no matter how long ago the crimes took place.”