In a remarkable display of courage and determination, female police officers in Littlehampton successfully apprehended a dangerous man who had assaulted two women. The suspect, Mark Stankus, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm.
The Assaults
On September 2, 2023, police received a report of a woman who had been sexually assaulted while walking alone through Littlehampton town centre at night. The victim was followed, grabbed, and assaulted by an unknown man who then fled the scene. Despite an extensive search, the assailant could not be located.
CCTV footage revealed that the same man had been loitering in the town centre for approximately an hour before following the victim into a residential area. He was also captured on camera following other women around the town.
Deploying Plain Clothes Officers
Recognising the ongoing risk posed by the suspect, Sussex Police deployed plainclothes officers to Littlehampton town centre. These officers blended in with the crowd, hoping to catch the assailant in the act.
The Bravery of a Young Officer
In the early hours of Sunday, October 1, CCTV footage showed one of the officers – a woman in her twenties – being followed by a man who matched the suspect’s description. The officer, aware of the danger, allowed herself to be tailed for over 30 minutes through the town centre, along the seafront, and into the residential Harsfold Road.
Wearing a face covering, the assailant chased after her, grabbed her, and assaulted her. However, nearby officers involved in the operation swiftly intervened, arresting the suspect. He was identified as 44-year-old Mark Stankus from High Street in Littlehampton.
Stankus pleaded guilty to all charges, and on Friday, April 19, he was sentenced to eight years in prison. In addition to his jail term, he received a restraining order and was registered as a sex offender for life.
Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama praised the young female officer’s bravery, emphasising that she had sacrificed her own safety to ensure Stankus was apprehended. “The streets of Sussex are safer as a result,” Zinyama stated.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh commended all those involved in the coordinated operation, highlighting the importance of taking sexual assault reports seriously. “We will stop at nothing to keep the public safe and bring offenders to justice,” McDonagh affirmed.
