A Horsham man has been convicted of repeatedly raping and sexually abusing a young girl over the course of nearly a decade.
Keith Clifton, 58, from Tanyard Close, was found guilty after a two‑week trial at Hove Trial Centre. The court heard that Clifton began abusing the child when she was just four years old, exposing her to sexual behaviour and assault. On her fifth birthday, the abuse escalated into rape, which continued regularly until she reached her early teens.
The victim, now in her 20s, bravely came forward in 2018 and reported the abuse to Sussex Police. Clifton was arrested at his home shortly afterwards, and specialist safeguarding officers supported the woman throughout the investigation.
Following the police inquiry, Clifton was charged with multiple offences, including rape of a child under 13, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
At the conclusion of the trial on 23 January, the jury convicted him of six counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault by touching, two counts of assault by penetration, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Several other charges resulted in a hung jury.
Clifton has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 23 February.
Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones praised the survivor’s extraordinary bravery, saying she had shown “remarkable strength” in helping bring her abuser to justice. She also commended the investigative team for their work on what she described as a complex and deeply distressing case.
She urged anyone who has experienced sexual abuse—regardless of how long ago it happened—to come forward, assuring that Sussex Police will do everything possible to support victims and pursue offenders.
