Southend: Man found guilty of sexual offences against a child

An investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team has resulted in a man being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against a young girl.

Daniel O’Brien, 38 of Kursaal Way, Southend appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, 22 April where he was found guilty of multiple sexual offences including three counts of rape of a girl under 16.

The offences took place between 2017 and 2019 and were reported to police in November 2021.

O’Brien was arrested and denied all allegations when interviewed.

He was charged on 9 March with three counts of rape of a girl under 16, two counts of sexual assault on a female and two counts of assault by penetration.

Following a two-week trial, a jury found him guilty on all counts.

Daniel O’Brien was remanded into custody. He will appear at Basildon Crown Court on 27 June for sentencing.

Following the conviction, the victim said the following:

“I hope that this will help others to know that it’s okay to speak up and be heard even though it may be hard.

“You will be believed and supported and you do not have to suffer in silence, feeling like you’re alone, because you’re not.”

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Victoria Leese, from Essex Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team said:

“The victim found incredible strength to report and was extremely resilient throughout the investigation and court process.

“Whilst she will never forget what happened to her, I hope that she is able to start moving forward and knows that her strength has meant that O’Brien is not able to harm anyone else.”

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/