Hastings Contractor Jailed for Historic Sex Crimes Against Girl
Mark Greenfield, 47, an electrical contractor from Elphinstone Road, Hastings, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 9 July. He was convicted in April of five counts of rape and one of indecent assault against a girl aged between 11 and 15, crimes committed between 1998 and 2003.
Long-Standing Abuse Finally Brought to Justice
Detective Constable Anton Affonso of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit explained how Greenfield, then in his twenties, abused the victim over several years. “Greenfield knew the girl through family connections. For years, he systematically and secretly sexually abused her for his own gratification,” said Affonso.
The abuse stopped only when the victim got a boyfriend and spent less time around Greenfield. “His offences left a deep scar on her life. Only recently has she been able to face what happened and help police with the investigation,” added Affonso.
Victim Speaks Out, Perpetrator Locked Up
“Speaking out about sexual abuse is very hard as a victim, but by breaking the silence perpetrators can be brought to justice no matter how long ago it happened,” the victim said in a statement read to the court.
“I finally spoke out after many years of living with it alone. Over the years, I struggled with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I had terrible nightmares and still battle daily with the trauma caused by Mark Greenfield’s actions.”
Greenfield will be a registered sex offender indefinitely and was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) lasting 16 years, severely restricting his contact with others.
Police emphasised their commitment to investigating historic sexual offences and ensuring victims find justice.
