Construction Worker Jailed for Over 15 Years in Child Abuse Case
Darren Sibley, 40, a construction worker from St Leonards, has been handed a prison sentence exceeding 15 years for the sexual abuse of a girl under 13.
Abuse Spanned Five Years, Exposed by Victim’s Friend
The horrifying abuse took place between 2011 and 2016. It was brought to light in 2020 when a friend of the victim bravely reported Sibley to Sussex Police, kicking off a major investigation.
Multiple Charges and Court Convictions
- Sibley faced multiple charges: five counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempted sexual assault on a child under 13.
- He was also charged with assaulting an emergency worker and failing to surrender to custody.
At Hove Crown Court on October 24, 2023, he was convicted of three sexual offences. He pled guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and to failing to surrender.
Life on Sex Offenders Register and Victim Protection Order
On January 8, a Protection Order was issued to safeguard the victim. Sibley will remain on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring authorities keep a close watch on him.
This grim case highlights the bravery of the victim’s friend in exposing the abuse and the swift justice served by the courts.
