Wayne Gavin Mathura

Wayne Gavin Mathura, a 52-year-old man from East Preston, West Sussex, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his conviction on 13 counts of rape and sexual assault. The offences, committed between 2007 and 2009, targeted three young girls who were aged between 13 and 17 at the time. All three victims were known to Mathura, whom he encountered in the street near his home and through connections to their relatives.

The case came to light through an investigation by detectives from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit, in collaboration with West Sussex County Council Children’s Services. Mathura appeared at Hove Crown Court, where he was convicted on 28 September and sentenced on 10 November. The court heard how Mathura systematically exploited the girls' vulnerability and naivety, grooming them into a series of humiliating sexual encounters.

Detective Constable Simon Thorne, speaking on behalf of the lead investigator Detective Constable Jennie Hutchinson, described the nature of the crimes: 'Mathura got to know the girls by seeing them in the street near his home, and through knowing some of their relatives. Over a period of time he systematically took advantage of their vulnerability and naivety and groomed them into a series of humiliating sexual encounters.' Thorne further emphasised the offender's dangerous profile, stating: 'This man is dangerous and preys on vulnerable women after gaining their trust.'

The sentence comprises 13 years in custody, followed by five years on extended licence supervision. In addition, Mathura will be required to register as a sex offender for life. The prosecution's efforts underscore the commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, with the investigation highlighting the grooming tactics employed to perpetrate the assaults.