Clacton: Man sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual offences

Michael King, 64 of Marine Parade West, Clacton appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, 4 August after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences including voyeurism.

King was initially arrested in December 2016.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Kelly Blackwell said “We’d received a report of a woman being sexually assaulted whilst in an address in Clacton

“Following the arrest, the victim did not want to pursue with the investigation, and it was temporarily filed. We then received contact from the victim in August 2017 who had found the strength to pursue with the investigation. 

“In cases where the victims have withdrawn support, we often have to respect that decision however we are able to pick up the investigation again whenever the victim feels ready.”

Following extensive enquiries digital devices were seized which appeared to show that King had been filming the victim. He was further arrested on suspicion of voyeurism. 

A thorough investigation from our Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team resulted in King being charged with rape of a woman over the age of 16, voyeurism and causing a female 13 or over to engage in sexual activity.

King pleaded guilty to Voyeurism and not guilty to the other two charges. Following a two-week trial, King was found guilty Section 4 under the Sexual Offences Act, causing a female 13 or over to engage in sexual activity.

A second man arrested and charged as part of the investigation was found not guilty of all charges against him.

King appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today (4 August) for sentencing. King was sentenced to eight years in prison. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Following the sentence, the victim has bravely shared her experiences of the investigation and encouraged others who have suffered from sexual abuse to report:

“I am heartbroken that this man put me in danger and did not care enough to help me when I needed help the most.

“Every day I feel disgusting, worthless, violated. If a man comes anywhere near me I feel scared and panic and want to get away from them. I am a shadow of myself and I don’t know who I am anymore. I will never get over what happened or come to terms with it; it will be with me forever.

“However frightening, however stressful, however humiliating, I want my voice to be heard and the truth to be told. If by me speaking out prevents this from happening to another person, then it has all been worth it.

“I want justice, justice for me and for anyone else who has suffered abuse. It is not ok to be treated like you don’t matter, it is not ok to be ignored. No means no and stop means stop.”

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Kelly Blackwell said:

“This woman has absolutely amazed me with her strength and bravery throughout an extremely challenging investigation. She wants to share this story to help other survivors of sexual abuse which is admirable.

“I hope that she is able to move forward with her life as what has happened to her does not define her.”

Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.  

Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy. 

For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.  

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/