Bexhill: Man jailed for raping and sexually abusing two young girls

Police said John Armsby's crimes were "sickening"

John Armsby sexually abused two girls under the age of 13
Author: Jason BeckPublished 27th Jun 2024

A man from Bexhill who repeatedly subjected two young girls to serious sexual abuse has been jailed for 28 years.

John Armsby, 47, carried out the "sickening and depraved" attacks between 2017 and 2022.

When police searched Armsby’s home in Ninfield Road, digital devices were found containing indecent images of children.

He was subsequently charged with five counts of rape of a child under 13, five counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, three counts of possessing indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.

A jury found him guilty of all charges at Lewes Crown Court on 26 March.

At the same court on 6 June, Armsby was sentenced to 24 years in prison, with another four to be spent on extended licence.

He was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, indefinite restraining orders against both victims and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Annie McGarvey said: "John Armsby’s crimes are sickening and depraved.

"My heart goes out to his young victims and their families for the horrific ordeal he has put them through, the effects of which will be long-lasting.

"I thank them all for their support and determination throughout this investigation.

"Without their courage, we would not have been able to put a dangerous offender behind bars where he can pose no further harm to the public."

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