A Welsh scrap metal dealer who committed sexual offences against a teenage girl in Rustington has been sentenced to prison.

Mark Rumbol, 58, from Hewelsfield in Wales, was found guilty of repeatedly sexually assaulting a girl under 15 from 2020 to 2021.

After the abuse was reported in March 2021, Rumbol was detained, and the victim received support from specialized police officers.

He faced charges including rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of inciting a girl under the age of 15 to engage in sexual activity without penetration.

On 18 December at Lewes Crown Court, Rumbol was acquitted of rape but convicted of the other charges.

On 26 January, the same court sentenced him to 11 years in prison. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender for life and was issued a restraining order along with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to greatly limit his potential for future offences.

Detective Constable Julie Leseure said: “Mark Rumbol subjected his victim to appalling crimes for his own gratification, with no regard for the devastating harm they caused.

“She has shown incredible courage and determination to report the abuse and support this investigation through to its conclusion.

“Thanks to her bravery, Rumbol is now behind bars where he can cause no further harm.