Man jailed for serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in East Sussex

William Hobden attacked the victim and later sent her warning messages on her phone.

Author: Vanessa BellringerPublished 3rd May 2023

A man has been jailed for the rape of a teenage girl in East Sussex.

William Hobden attacked the victim, who was under the age of 16, in August 2020 and later sent her warning messages on her phone.

The 29-year-old, formerly of Queen’s Road, East Grinstead, denied charges, including rape of a minor, but was found guilty after DNA evidence proved he was the offender.

The court also handed him a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict Hobden’s access to children after he is released.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said: “We are pleased that we have been able to get justice for the victim in this case.

“Hobden betrayed her trust, and carried out this appalling abuse.

“But his victim showed courage to report her experience to the police.”

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