Man sentenced for abusing '˜vulnerable young girl'

A Horsham man has been given a 24-year sentence for the abuse of a vulnerable young girl, according to Sussex Police.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Apr 2017, 17:21 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 19:01 BST
Richard Koch. Picture: Sussex PoliceRichard Koch. Picture: Sussex Police
Richard Koch. Picture: Sussex Police

Police said Richard Koch, 41, a handyman, of Canberra Place, Horsham, was sentenced when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (April 21), having previously been found guilty of 23 offences, including rape, sexual assault, assault, and incitement to engage in sexual activity.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “He pleaded guilty to three offences of possession of indecent images of children, none of which were of the victim, and was found not guilty of one sexual assault on her.

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“He was given a total of 24 years, the first 19 of which will be served in custody, and he will not be able even to apply for parole until he has served 16 years. Even when he is eventually released, the further five years will be spent on licence.

“Koch will also be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to last indefinitely, severely restricting any access to young girls.

“The victim was subjected to horrific sexual offences and physical abuse.”

In sentencing Koch, Judge Paul Tain said; “This is the worst case of single sex abuse I have ever had to sit through.”

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Detective Constable Dan Richardson of West Sussex Investigations said; “Koch subjected her to sexual assault including rape, sustained physical violence and other personal humiliations.

“We became aware of her experiences through a third-party in whom she had confided, and with the agreement of both parties we were able to carefully develop a full picture of what had happened to her.

“This has now culminated in Koch being given a very long term of imprisonment and other measures to help prevent him re-offending. The victim is still receiving support and counselling.

“This shows that we will always investigate every case wherever possible, no matter how long ago they may have occurred, to seek justice and support for the victims.

“Nobody should have to suffer abuse - if you find yourself in such a situation, call us on 101 and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators.”