Banned from speaking to children

A pensioner has been banned from even speaking to children and jailed for four years for abusing a young girl.

Michael Lamb, 76, was found guilty by a jury for six counts of sexual assault by touching a child under the age of 13 and three counts of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The victim had known Lamb and was abused by him between 2009 and 2013.
The victim came forward in January 2020 and Lamb was later arrested and charged with the offences.

He stood trial at Lewes Crown Court earlier this year and was sentenced on Thursday 5th May.

Detective Constable Cheyne Garrett leading the investigation of the case said: ‘Lamb denied the offences and has caused trauma to the victim and her family by making them go through a criminal trial.

‘This case demonstrates that we take historic sexual abuse very seriously. The victim received support from specialist officers throughout the process.

‘We were determined to get justice for the victim, and following a thorough investigation we are pleased with the jury’s verdict.

‘Victims of sexual abuse can report offences to us on the Sussex Police website, or self-refer to one of the county’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).’

Lamb, of Melrose Avenue, Worthing, was imprisoned for four years and was put on the sex offenders register.

The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which forbids him from having unsupervised contact with children.

It prevents him from residing or working with children and young people, or approaching or talking with children.