Kenneth Mann

Kenneth Mann, a 43-year-old plasterer from Portchester, Hampshire, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of sexual offences committed against a young girl in Hastings during the early to mid-2000s. The offences began when the victim was just nine years old and continued until she was 13, exploiting her innocence and vulnerability for Mann's own sexual gratification.

Mann, who was known to the girl locally in Hastings, was convicted at Hove Crown Court on 23 March 2018 of rape, sexual assault, and inciting the girl to commit an act of gross indecency. He was acquitted of additional charges including indecency with a child, further sexual assault, and indecent assault. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey on 25 June 2018, where Judge Justice Spencer highlighted the predatory nature of the crimes during the hearing.

• The abuse occurred over a period of four years, from approximately 2003 to 2007, before Mann relocated to Hampshire.
• The victim, who suffered in silence for many years, came forward to Sussex Police four years prior to the trial, initially reluctant to pursue prosecution but eventually providing crucial testimony.
• Detective Sergeant Steve Shimmons of the Hastings-based Safeguarding Investigations Unit described how Mann 'cynically took advantage' of the girl, noting that her bravery in giving evidence was key to securing the convictions.

In addition to the 12-year custodial sentence, Mann was placed on the sex offenders' register for life and received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits any contact with the victim. The case was investigated by Sussex Police, with the trial proceedings reported by The News in Portsmouth on 29 June 2018.