Officer describes conviction of sex offender as one of his "proudest moments"

An officer has described how the conviction of a man for 14 sexual offences is one of his proudest moments.

Sean Richmond, 53 of Hillyfields, Loughton pleaded guilty to 14 sexual offences including attempted rape and a number of indecent assaults when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on 29 May.

The investigation into Richmond was launched in 2015, after Essex Police received reports of serious sexual assaults, which took place between 1985 and 1991 against two victims. 

Following his arrest in 2015, Richmond denied all allegations. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, it was recommended that Richmond face no further action. This decision was reviewed, and the case was continued.

Officers continued to gather evidence whilst supporting the two victims. This was then followed by three further victims reporting to police that they had been sexually abused by Richmond during the same time period of time, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. 

The complex investigation continued with its challenges, however in May 2022, Richmond was charged with 18 offences including attempted rape, indecency with a child and a number of indecent assaults.

The trial was adjourned in July 2023, with a new date being set for 2024. After almost ten years since the original report was made, the trial on Tuesday, 28 May with Richmond entering a guilty plea to 14 of the 18 offences on Wednesday, 29 May.

Richmond pleaded guilty to 10 counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child and one count of attempted rape.

He will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 19 July for sentencing.

Following the conviction, one of the victims said: “To my innocent, beautiful younger self it's all over now we're free.”

Investigating officer T/Detective Constable Matthew Edson said “To say that I was over the moon was a complete understatement and ringing the five victims to inform them of this result was one of the proudest moments in my career.

“I know that throughout this long investigation, that there were points where the victims were beginning to lose hope that Richmond would ever be charged. Fearing that he would never face justice for the heinous crimes that he has perpetrated over a sustained period of abuse.

“We kept them informed once the trial was scheduled for 2023, however due to complications, the trial was postponed another year. As frustrating as this was, the victims remained patient and on board with the investigation.”

Detective Constable Rachel Ewell who supported the five victims throughout the trial process said: “Along with T/DC Edson, I had the pleasure of updating the five victims following the guilty plea which was a very emotional, but rewarding experience”

T/DC Edson praised the victim’s saying: “This result would not have been possible without their bravery, patience and understanding and I hope that they’re able to start moving forward now we’re towards the end of this ordeal, after a period of over thirty years. I must also thank my numerous colleagues, including DC Elwell and DS Culf, along with a number of colleagues that have since retired for relentlessly pursuing the investigation and securing charges against Richmond.

“Throughout the long process, the victims had access to support from Essex Police. We hope that this result encourages other survivors of sexual abuse, that no matter how long an investigation may take, we will also pursue justice and investigate all allegations of sexual offences thoroughly.”

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/