Benfleet: Man pleads guilty to multiple sexual offences against children

A man has pleaded guilty to nine offences, including sexual offences against children following an investigation within our Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT).

Gary Gould, 38 of Essex Way, Benfleet appeared at Southend Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 27 September after being charged with multiple offences.

Gould was arrested Monday, 25 September and swiftly charged with two counts of attempting to cause a child under 13 to look at an image of sexual activity and four counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Following the discovery of suspected drugs and asps, Gould was charged with possession of a controlled class B drug and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. 

He pleaded guilty to all offences in court. Gould will appear at Basildon Crown Court on 30 October for sentencing.

Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet said “This has been a fast-paced and thorough investigation by officers in our Police Online Investigation Team.

“Detectives involved worked a combined total of 120 hours to secure charges for this investigation.

“Gould has been remanded into custody ahead of the sentencing date.

“Our force remains committed to investigating sexual offences and supporting survivors of sexual abuse.” 

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/