Gerald Bourne, 65, formerly of Warrior Square, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to five counts of rape of two girls in Hastings and Kent more than a decade ago. He was sentenced to life imprisonment when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (July 6). The court heard that the victims were both under the age of 10 when Bourne sexually abused them. The offences took place in the picnic areas off the A21 and in Hastings town Judge Sharni Barnes sentenced Bourne to life in prison with a minimum term of 13 years. Bourne was previously convicted in 2010 of 37 counts of rape and sexual assault on four children. He denied the offences but was found guilty and sentenced to 17 years. Detective Constable Lee Watts said: “Bourne took complete advantage of his victims who were young defenceless children. The sentence that Bourne received sends out a message that we take all such reports seriously and we will investigate where ever possible to try and seek justice for the victims, no matter how long ago the offences took place.” Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver 3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.
