Paedophile raped and sexually abused two young girls

A paedophile who raped and sexually assaulted two young girls has been jailed.

John Armsby, 47, repeatedly abused the girls, who were under the age of 13, between 2017 and 2022.

The offences were reported to Sussex Police on January 24, 2022, and Armsby was arrested two days later.

John Armsby has been jailed (Image: Sussex Police)

Armsby of Ninfield Road in Bexhill, had his home searched and digital devices were found containing indecent images of children.

READ MORE: Paedophile who had more than 72,000 images of children spared jail

He was charged with five counts of rape of a child under 13, five counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, three counts of possessing indecent images of children and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.

A jury found him guilty of all charges at Lewes Crown Court this March 26.

At the same court on June 6, Armsby was sentenced to 24 years in prison, with another four to be spent on extended licence.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, indefinite Restraining Orders against both victims and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Annie McGarvey said: “John Armsby’s crimes are sickening and depraved.

“My heart goes out to his young victims and their families for the horrific ordeal he has put them through, the effects of which will be long-lasting.

“I thank them all for their support and determination throughout this investigation.

“Without their courage, we would not have been able to put a dangerous offender behind bars where he can pose no further harm to the public.”

A force spokesman added said: "If you are a victim of sexual offences, no matter how long ago, please report it to Sussex Police.

"We will believe you, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.

"Report online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency."