Laindon: Man jailed for non-recent sexual offences

A man has been convicted of sexually abusing a teenager 15 years ago thanks to our specialist team which investigates non-recent child abuse.

The case also marked the first time the Quest team has been able to use forensics in a case after they were able to extract fingerprints from a letter sent to the victim in 2009.

Gary Hobbs had been charged with nine offences including sexual activity.

The 39 year-old, of Maclennan Place in Keith, Banffshire, had denied the charge but was convicted on all counts yesterday (Tuesday 29 August) following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

His trial heard he had abused the victim in Laindon between late 2008 and through 2009.

Just prior to Valentine’s Day 2008, he sent them a handwritten letter professing his love for them.

The offences came to light when they were reported to police in 2019.

Our Quest team, which specialises in cases where the offences took place more than a year ago and the victim was “a” child at the time but is now an adult, investigated.

As part of their enquiries they had the letter, which the victim still had, forensically examined and were able to extract fingerprints from it.

They also completed handwriting samples.

Through this work they were able to establish Hobbs had sent the letter and it proved key evidence at trial.

He is now due to be sentenced at the same court on 23 October.

Detective Sergeant Shirley Cole, from the Quest team, said:

“I want to pay tribute to the strength demonstrated by the victim of this case.

“They have been subjected to a horrendous ordeal at the hands of Gary Hobbs and they have been forced to re-live that through a trial.

“However, they have been determined to see him brought to justice and I am pleased we have been able to achieve that for them.

“No-one should have to experience what Hobbs put them through, let alone a child and I hope this result can help them move forward.”

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.