Robert Aynsley – Horsham

A landscape gardener from Horsham who sexually abused a girl over several years has been jailed.

Robert Aynsley, 56, of Windrum Close in Horsham, began abusing the victim when she was 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17.

The abuse was reported to police in May, 2022, and the victim was given specialist support by specialist officers while an investigation was launched.

Aynsley was arrested the same month and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts each of assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempted assault by penetration.

He denied all the offences, but was convicted on all counts on 11 November, 2025, following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

At the same court on Tuesday, 3 February, he was jailed for 12 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, designed to significantly limit his opportunity to reoffend.