Man jailed for catalogue of rapes and sexual assaults in Sussex
A millionaire businessman led a double life for decades
A Pulborough man who raped and sexually assaulted multiple young men has been jailed.
Ian Elliott, of North Heath near Pulborough, was accused of committing 92 offences against six victims in West Sussex between 1999 and 2021.
Police said he drugged, raped and filmed his attacks on teenagers and young men.
The 71-year-old would earn the trust of his victims – who were as young as 16 – and their families.
He was was jailed for 18 years at Hove Crown Court, with an additional five years to be spent on licence.
As a well-known member of the community, Elliott was also the chairman of the local sports association and was involved in local social clubs.
Sussex police have said he used his position to give his victims drugs and alcohol with the intention of stupefying or overpowering them, before subjecting them to rapes and serious sexual assaults.
Many of the attacks were filmed by Elliott himself.
Footage was discovered by investigating officers, despite Elliott’s attempts to destroy it, which was used in evidence against him.
He was arrested in September 2022. In November 2022, Elliott was charged with 92 offences, including 13 rapes, three attempted rapes, 13 sexual assaults and 20 counts of voyeurism.
The guilty pleas related to four victims, aged between 16 and 28 at the time of the offences.
An additional 38 charges will lie on file, and 11 were not put forward by the Crown Prosecution Service but are covered by the sentencing powers given through the other convictions.
Passing sentence, HHJ Gold said Elliott had an 'innate sense of superiority' over his victims and had shown 'not a trace of empathy'.
'Don't let your abuser win'
In a statement given to Sussex Police, one of Elliott's victims said:
“Mr Elliott is now in prison because a couple of brave men decided to speak up. If I’ve learned one thing from this case, it’s to go with your instincts and don’t be afraid to speak up if you think abuse is happening.
"Whatever the outcome or however long the outcome takes, don’t let your abuser win. Pick up the phone and report them to the police or at the very least don’t keep it to yourself and tell someone.”
Detective Constable Victoria Ashworth Kirkby, of the Sussex Police’s Complex Abuse Unit, said:
“I cannot commend each of these victims enough for the incredible courage and determination they have shown.
“They deserve immense credit for their strength and resilience, which was crucial in achieving this conviction. I would like to thank them for their support and perseverance throughout this investigation.
“Elliott has been convicted for his crimes but we believe he may have more victims".
Anyone who believes to be a victim or knows someone who could be a victim is being urged to report it to Sussex police quoting Operation Ridge.