Jail for Sussex sex offender who targeted Kent victim

A sex offender from Sussex who subjected his Kent victim to a campaign of fear and misery while controlling her life has been jailed, following a Kent Police investigation.

Andrew Wilson, formerly of Brompton Close in Brighton, met his victim – who was living in Ashford at the time – in 2023.

Controlling behaviour

As time went on, Wilson’s behaviour turned aggressive and unpredictable, causing the woman to become frightened and isolated.

Wilson, 29, became increasingly controlling and violent - insisting his victim delete social media contacts, dress in different clothes and give in to his sexual demands.

He dictated where she could go and whom she could speak with, subjecting her to sexual assault and suffocation.

The woman told Wilson she wanted no further contact with him, but he persisted in harassing her and making repeated threats.

Arrested

A report was made to Kent Police and Wilson was arrested in Brighton on 19 January 2024, with the support of officers from Sussex Police, before being charged the following day.

Jailed

Following a trial at Lewes Crown Court, Wilson was found guilty of sexual assault, suffocation and coercive and controlling behaviour and, on 12 November, was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Wilson will spend a further two years on licence after that term, and was also given an indefinite restraining order, forbidding him from any further contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Kellen Blackwell said: ‘Wilson is a violent and dangerous offender who preyed upon the vulnerabilities of his victim. It is right that he has been jailed, and the restraining order he has been issued offers further reassurance to his victim upon his release.‘I would like to commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward to report Wilson’s appalling crimes. She has shown huge courage, and I hope that she can now move forward with her life, knowing that her abuser is now behind bars’.

Find out how Kent Police is tackling violence against women and girls.