Man Jailed for Abusing Young Girl

Paul Latham, 65, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15 in Brighton.

Latham, who was found guilty at Hove Crown Court, knew the girl was underage but engaged in sexual activity with her at addresses in Hove and Woodingdean.

The court heard how the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described how she had felt degraded because of the abuse and continues to have anxiety.

She felt that Latham had taken advantage of her as a child but is now rebuilding her life and is happy that justice has been served.

Latham, of Wicklands Avenue, Saltdean, will serve a minimum of six years before he can be considered for parole and will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.

The judge also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which restricts Latham's access to children.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Andy Lawrence said the victim received support from specially-trained officers after she made her report in 2018.

With support from Detective Constable Lisa Hampson from the sexual offences investigation team, they were able to bring the charges against Latham to secure the conviction.

DS Lawrence said: "Predatory sex offender Paul Latham has now faced justice for preying on a young teenage girl. "The victim in this case showed extraordinary bravery and tenacity. She has remained determined through a very difficult period. "We have worked tirelessly to secure this conviction. Victims of sexual offences will always be supported and we take their report seriously. "We hope that the outcome of this case will give victims of sexual offences the confidence to come forward and report information to us. "No matter how long ago the offence was we will try to seek justice."