Rochford: Officer praises the bravery of historic sexual assault survivors

One of our investigating officers has praised the bravery of two victims, as their abuser is jailed for 13 years.

Gary Battison, 24 of no fixed address appeared at Southend Crown Court on Wednesday, 27 July after being charged with multiple sexual offences which took place within a seven-year period.

Our Child Abuse Investigation Team began a complex investigation into Battison following his initial arrest in June 2019. The victim, who was under the age of 13 had disclosed being sexually assaulted by Battison. 

After being released under investigation for the initial offence, Battison was further arrested for similar offences against a different victim, which had taken place in 2012.

He was swiftly charged and remanded into custody.

Following his trial, Battison was found guilty of the following:

• Rape of a boy under 13
• Two counts of inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• Two counts of assaulting a boy under 13 by touching

He was sentenced to 13 years in prison and served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining orders.