Lambeth Man Receives Prison Sentence for Historic Sexual Assault in West Sussex
A 64-year-old man from Lambeth has been sentenced to four years in prison for a rape that occurred in the toilet of a motorway service station in West Sussex during the early 1990s. Oslen Kelman, of Lambeth Road, was found guilty following a retrial at Lewes Crown Court, bringing a long-delayed case to a conclusion.
Details of the Offence and Investigation
The victim, a woman now in her 50s who was known to Kelman, reported that she was attacked in Horsham, West Sussex. Sussex Police stated that she also disclosed being raped multiple times over a sustained period. The force has provided her with ongoing specialist support throughout the investigation and legal proceedings.
Kelman was initially arrested and charged, leading to a trial in March 2025 that resulted in a hung jury. The retrial concluded on November 28, where he was convicted of one count of rape but acquitted of two separate rape charges. The sentencing took place at the same court on January 30.
Police Response and Appeal to Victims
Detective Constable Gemma Nickols of Sussex Police praised the victim's bravery, saying, "I would like to thank the victim in this investigation for the courage and determination she has shown to report Oslen Kelman’s offending to us and help hold him accountable for his crimes." She added, "Thanks to her strength, Kelman is now rightly behind bars having faced justice."
The police used this case to encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed. DC Nickols emphasised, "Our message to other victims of sexual offences, no matter how long ago, is to please report to Sussex Police. We will support you, we will investigate and we will do all we can to get the justice you deserve."
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case highlights the challenges in prosecuting historic sexual crimes, where evidence can be difficult to gather and trials may face delays or require retrials. The successful conviction underscores the importance of victim support and persistent police work in securing justice.
Local authorities and support groups in Lambeth and West Sussex are likely to use this outcome to reinforce awareness campaigns about reporting sexual violence. It serves as a reminder that perpetrators can be held accountable even decades after the offences occurred.
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to the victim and her community, while also sending a strong message about the legal system's commitment to addressing such serious crimes. The case may prompt further discussions on improving support mechanisms for survivors of historic abuse.
