Heroic Female Police Nab Sexual Predator in Littlehampton
Female cops in Littlehampton showed guts and grit to snare a dangerous man who attacked two women. Mark Stankus was hauled off to court and sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm.
Terrifying Attacks Shake Littlehampton
On September 2, 2023, a woman was brutally assaulted while walking alone through Littlehampton’s town centre at night. The victim was followed, grabbed, and attacked by an unknown man who then fled. Despite a manhunt, cops couldn’t find him at first.
CCTV later revealed the suspect had been lurking around the town centre for nearly an hour before the attack. He was seen tailing another victim too, raising serious alarm.
Plain Clothes Cops Lure Suspect Into a Trap
Knowing the threat was still real, police deployed plain-clothes officers disguised as everyday people. Their mission? Catch the predator in the act and stop him for good.
Young Female Officer’s Daring Sting
Early on October 1, a brave young female officer in her twenties spotted a man matching the attacker’s description following her. She played it cool, allowing herself to be tailed for over 30 minutes through the town centre, seafront, and into a residential street.
The suspect, wearing a face covering, did not hesitate. He grabbed and assaulted her, thinking he could get away. But backup officers moved in quickly and arrested the 44-year-old Stankus, who lives on Littlehampton’s High Street.
Justice Served: Eight Years Behind Bars
Stankus admitted all charges and on April 19 was sentenced to eight years in prison. He also received a life-long sex offender registration and a restraining order.
“The streets of Sussex are safer as a result,” Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama said, praising the young officer’s courage who risked her own safety to bring him down.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh added, “We will stop at nothing to keep the public safe and bring offenders to justice.”
