A 28-year-old man from Godalming, Surrey, has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for a series of child sex offences, including rape and assault by penetration, against a girl who was just nine years old when the abuse began.
Aiden Freeman was convicted on March 30 at Lewes Crown Court following a trial in which he pleaded not guilty. Jurors rejected his defence that the victim had fabricated the allegations for attention. He was sentenced on June 4.
Abuse Started When Victim Was Nine
Sussex Police confirmed that the offending began when the victim was aged nine and continued over several years. Freeman was found guilty of two counts of assault of a girl under 13 by penetration and three counts of rape of a girl under 13.
During police interview, Freeman alleged that the victim was making up her accusations "for attention." The court heard that the victim is now receiving support from specially trained officers.
Detective Commends Victim's Bravery
Detective Constable Sarah MacKnamara of Sussex Police praised the victim's courage. "This was a serious and prolonged pattern of sexual offending over many years," she said. "I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for reporting this matter to police, supporting the prosecution and helping to bring her abuser to justice."
She added, "I understand how challenging investigations such as these are for victims, but thanks to her Aiden Freeman is now rightly behind bars where he poses no further risk to the public."
Police Urge Victims to Come Forward
DC MacKnamara encouraged other victims of sexual abuse to report it: "If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or believe someone else may be, please report it to us. We will listen to you, we will support you and we will do all we can to get you justice."
Freeman was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on June 4 to seven years and six months in prison. He will also be subject to notification requirements indefinitely.
