Olsen Kelman Jailed 4 Years for 1990s Horsham Rape

Key Points

• Oslen Kelman, aged 64, from Lambert Road in Lambeth, London, has been sentenced to four years in prison for raping a woman in Horsham.
• Kelman was charged with three counts of rape relating to a woman known to him, with offences dating back to the early 1990s.
• The victim, a woman in her 50s, reported being raped by Kelman in a motorway service station toilet during that period and claimed multiple rapes over a sustained time.
• Sussex Police provided specialist support to the victim from the initial report, continuing through the investigation and judicial process.
• Kelman was arrested and charged following the report; his first trial in March 2025 at Lewes Crown Court ended with a hung jury.
• A retrial at Lewes Crown Court on 28 November 2025 found Kelman guilty of one count of rape – specifically the motorway service station incident – and not guilty on two other counts.
• Sentencing occurred on Friday, 30 January 2026, at the same court.
• Detective Constable Gemma Nickols praised the victim’s courage and determination in reporting the crimes and seeing the case through.
• Sussex Police emphasised support for victims of sexual offences, regardless of how long ago they occurred, urging reports to ensure justice.

Lewes Crown Court (South London News) January 31, 2026 – Oslen Kelman, a 64-year-old man from Lambert Road in Lambeth, London, was sentenced to four years in prison today after being convicted of raping a woman in Horsham in the early 1990s. The victim, a woman in her 50s known to Kelman, reported the assault at a motorway service station toilet and additional rapes over a sustained period. Sussex Police commended her bravery, noting that specialist support was provided throughout the investigation and trial process, culminating in justice after a retrial at Lewes Crown Court.

Who is Oslen Kelman and what crimes was he charged with?

Oslen Kelman, residing on Lambert Road in Lambeth, London, faced three counts of rape concerning a woman he knew. As detailed in the Sussex Police statement, the primary offence involved raping the victim in a motorway service station toilet in the early 1990s. She further alleged that Kelman raped her multiple times over an extended period. Sussex Police confirmed that upon receiving the initial report, officers arrested Kelman and provided the victim with specialist support from partner organisations, which persisted through the entire judicial process.

When and where did the offences reportedly take place?

The reported incidents occurred in Horsham, with the specific rape conviction stemming from an assault in a motorway service station toilet in the early 1990s. The victim reported multiple violations over a sustained timeframe during that era. According to Sussex Police records, these details emerged when the woman, now in her 50s, came forward to authorities. The location ties the case to Horsham, though the service station’s precise site remains unspecified in official releases.

What happened in the first trial?

Kelman underwent a trial that concluded with a hung jury in March 2025 at Lewes Crown Court. Sussex Police noted this outcome in their official summary, indicating the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on the three rape charges. This development necessitated a retrial, prolonging the legal proceedings but underscoring the commitment to pursuing justice. The hung jury outcome highlights the complexities often faced in historical sexual offence cases.

What was the outcome of the retrial?

On 28 November 2025, at Lewes Crown Court, Kelman was found guilty of one count of rape – the offence at the motorway service station – and not guilty of the two separate counts of rape. This verdict followed the earlier hung jury, as reported by Sussex Police. The conviction on the single count marked a significant step, holding Kelman accountable for at least one proven assault. Sentencing proceeded promptly thereafter.

What was the sentence handed down to Oslen Kelman?

At Lewes Crown Court on Friday, 30 January 2026, Judge [name not specified in source] sentenced Oslen Kelman to four years’ imprisonment. Sussex Police’s release confirms this penalty for the convicted rape charge. The four-year term reflects the court’s assessment of the offence’s gravity, despite acquittals on the other counts. Kelman, now 64, will serve this custodial sentence following the retrial’s conclusion.

How did Sussex Police support the victim?

When the allegations were first reported to Sussex Police, the victim received specialist support from officers and partners, which continued throughout the investigation and judicial process. This assistance encompassed emotional and practical aid, vital for navigating the lengthy proceedings. Sussex Police highlighted this ongoing commitment in their statement, ensuring the woman in her 50s felt backed at every stage.

What did Detective Constable Gemma Nickols say about the case?

Detective Constable Gemma Nickols of Sussex Police stated:

“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.”

Nickols further extended a message to others:

“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.”

Why is this case significant for historical sexual offence reports?

This conviction underscores Sussex Police’s dedication to pursuing justice for sexual offences reported decades later. The early 1990s timeframe did not deter a thorough investigation, arrest, charges, and eventual guilty verdict after retrial. Detective Constable Gemma Nickols’ comments reinforce an encouraging stance for victims, emphasising comprehensive support irrespective of elapsed time. The case exemplifies how persistence can lead to accountability.

What support systems are available for victims reporting to Sussex Police?

Sussex Police provides specialist support for victims of sexual offences from the reporting stage onward, partnering with organisations to offer sustained assistance. This includes emotional guidance during investigations, trials, and beyond, as evidenced in Kelman’s case. The force’s approach aligns with broader UK policing standards for safeguarding complainant welfare in sensitive matters.

How does this sentencing fit into broader trends in rape convictions?

While specific statistics on trends fall outside this report’s scope, the four-year sentence for a historical rape conviction reflects judicial considerations of evidence, victim impact, and offender profile. The partial acquittal on two counts illustrates trial challenges, yet the guilty finding on the service station rape demonstrates viable prosecution paths. Sussex Police’s proactive victim support likely bolsters reporting rates.

What next steps follow Kelman’s sentencing?

Following the 30 January 2026 sentencing, Oslen Kelman begins his four-year prison term. No appeals or further proceedings are mentioned in available details. Sussex Police may continue monitoring victim welfare post-trial. The case closure offers closure to the woman in her 50s, affirming institutional resolve.

Background on the investigation process

Sussex Police’s handling commenced with the victim’s report, prompting Kelman’s arrest and charging. The March 2025 hung jury prompted a retrial, culminating in the November 2025 verdict. Specialist support remained constant, as per their protocol. This methodical progression ensured due process while prioritising victim needs.

Victim’s role in securing justice

The unnamed victim, in her 50s, demonstrated exceptional resolve by reporting offences from the early 1990s. Her testimony withstood initial trial hurdles, securing the rape conviction. Detective Constable Gemma Nickols credited this fortitude directly: her actions placed “Kelman… rightly behind bars.” Such courage inspires broader victim confidence.

Implications for similar cases in Sussex

This outcome signals Sussex Police’s efficacy in historical cases, potentially encouraging reports long dormant. The force’s message, via DC Nickols, pledges investigation and support universally. Communities in Horsham and beyond benefit from reaffirmed trust in law enforcement’s responsiveness.