Eastbourne Predatory Sex Offender Jailed After 30 Years
John Lockyer, 76, has been sentenced to 22 months in jail for sexually abusing a young girl in Eastbourne during the early 1990s. The retired music teacher and church organist was convicted of two counts of indecent assault following a seven-day trial at Hove Crown Court.
Serial Abuse Exposed
Lockyer’s crimes included one count covering 20 separate incidents. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), barring him from contact with girls under 17 without court approval. While acquitted of nine additional indecent assault charges and two counts of gross indecency against a boy, the verdict marks a major victory for justice.
Church Organist Exploited Young Victim
Detective Constable Jo Barber revealed Lockyer used his role at St Andrews of Norway Church to gain the victim’s trust. “He took advantage of the young girl for his own sexual gratification, leaving lifelong psychological scars,” she said. The victim finally came forward in 2017, prompting a detailed investigation by the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit. The CPS fully backed the prosecution.
Victim Speaks Out: ‘Closure at Last’
“Reporting this crime has finally brought about closure after a long road to recovery,” said the woman, now in her 40s. “I can now look forward to a future without this hanging over me. I thank Sussex Police, especially DC Jo Barber, for their unwavering support throughout. Despite the painful journey, I do not regret coming forward for a moment.”
Co-Accused Acquitted
Pauline Harrop, 77, of Eastbourne was cleared of two counts of gross indecency against the same boy involved in the case.
This case highlights how police continue to pursue justice for victims of historic abuse, no matter how much time has passed.
