Croydon Predator Sentenced to 15 Years for Repeated Trips to France to Sexually Abuse Teenage Girl
A dangerous predator from Croydon, who made multiple flights to France to sexually abuse a 14-year-old girl, has been handed a substantial prison sentence. Fabrizio Broussett, aged 23, was apprehended at Gatwick Airport last year as he attempted to board another flight to continue his horrific offending.
Disturbing Evidence and Grooming Uncovered
Broussett was caught exchanging thousands of explicit videos and messages with the young victim, many of which were degrading and aggressive in nature. One chilling text message read, "6 days and I'm going to rape my 14-year-old child", while others depicted violent sexual abuse. The investigation began in April 2025 when Counter Terrorism officers seized his mobile phone during a separate inquiry.
Although no terrorism offences were found, investigators discovered photos of the victim's ID card and passport, which confirmed she was underage. Sussex Police immediately collaborated with Interpol to conduct a welfare check at her home in Lyon, ensuring she was no longer in danger.
Pattern of Abuse and Arrest
Broussett had visited the 14-year-old for two separate weeks in February and April 2025, booking bed and breakfast accommodations in the Saint-Etienne area to carry out the abuse. Evidence also indicated he was planning to meet her again before his arrest at Gatwick Airport on May 8, 2025.
He faced a series of serious charges, including two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, four counts of making indecent images of a child, three counts of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, and one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child. Broussett, of Chartham Road in South Norwood, admitted to all offences at Croydon Crown Court on July 11, 2025.
Sentencing and Preventive Measures
On February 17, 2026, Broussett was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an additional three years to be spent on extended licence. The court also imposed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, placed him indefinitely on the sex offenders register, and barred him from working with children and vulnerable people.
Detective Constable Tasha Smith of Sussex Police stated, "Fabrizio Broussett is a committed offender who proactively groomed and abused a child for his own sexual gratification. The victim in this investigation must live with the impact of his offending for the rest of her life, but I hope her abuser being now behind bars can bring her some measure of comfort."
She added, "I would like to thank our partners in Counter Terror policing and Gatwick Airport for their support in helping to bring a dangerous offender to justice. If you are a victim of sexual offending, please report to police online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. We will support you and we will do everything we can to get you the justice you deserve."
This case highlights the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating child exploitation and ensuring that predators are brought to justice swiftly and effectively.
