Basildon: Family praise work of detective after sex offender sentenced

The family of a young girl who was sexually assaulted has praised the detective who brought her abuser to justice.

In November 2020, the victim, reported she had been sexually assaulted by 38-year-old David Kidd, of Appleford Court, Basildon.

We acted quickly to apprehend Kidd, who made significant comments to arresting officers.

Following his arrest, we executed a warrant at his address, seizing mobile phones and a laptop.

Forensic examination of two phones showed internet searches relating to children, alongside indecent images of children.

In September 2021, Kidd was charged with two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 and three counts of making indecent images of children.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges, but on Tuesday 18 July 2023, the second day of the trial at Basildon Crown Court, Kidd changed his pleas and admitted all charges against him.

Every parent's nightmare

In a statement, the family of the victim said:

“What has happened to our daughter is every parent’s worst nightmare, committed by someone who we thought we could trust.
“That man has changed our daughter forever and she just won’t ever be the same again because of the effects of what has happened.
“We cannot thank T/DS Ellie Nudd enough, she has been incredible from day one, we would not have got through this process without her.”

Lengthy investigation

T/DS Ellie Nudd, officer in the case, works with our specialist Child Abuse Investigation Team, made up of dedicated officers who specifically investigate child sexual offences and support the victims.

She said:

“The family of the victim in this case has shown dignity and courage throughout this process.
“This has been an extremely emotional period for the victim’s family, given her young age at the time of the offending.
“I would also like to thank allocated ISVA Toni Jones for her incredible support to the family, and the police, throughout the investigative and court process.”

On Friday 8 September, Kidd was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a range of rehabilitative conditions attached.

He must complete a 40-day accredited programme, a 60-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement.

Kidd will be monitored by electronic tag for 12 months and will remain the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, alongside signing the sex offenders’ register.

Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) work with adults and children who have experienced sexual violence and their families to get them access to the services they need.

You can talk to an ISVA without talking to the police.

You can access ISVAs through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs).

SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers on hand 24 hours a day, offering medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.

Synergy Essex provides support and guidance for survivors of sexual and sexual abuse across Essex.

The Essex Rape Crisis Partnership is formed of three organisations:

• CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) who cover mid and north Essex.
• SERICC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service) who cover South and West Essex.
• SOS Rape Crisis who cover Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

Survivors can self-refer and receive emotional support, specialist sexual violence and abuse counselling and or specialist advocacy services, no matter when the sexual violence or abuse occurred. In addition to this, they also offer support to survivor’s loved ones.

For more information about how to get support, visit the Synergy Essex website.