Southend: Family of survivor of sexual abuse thank investigating officers

The family of a girl abused over a two-year period has thanked Essex Police after her abuser was jailed for 15 years.

Daniel O’Brien abused a girl over a two-year period between 2017 and 2019.

Our investigation began when the offences were reported to us in 2021.

Work by our specialist Child Abuse Investigation Team led to the 38 year-old being charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration.

He was convicted on all counts in April this year following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

At the same court on Thursday 27 June, O’Brien, of Kursaal Way, Southend, was jailed for a total of 15 years, given an extended licence of three years, and put on the sex offenders’ register for life.

He has also been made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and given a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and witnesses indefinitely.

Following the sentencing, the family of the survivor of O’Brien’s abuse said: “We want to thank DC Victoria Leese for her support and genuine care she has shown.

“She has been an absolute rock and we are grateful for everything she, and everyone else who has worked on the investigation and provided support, has done.

“It is important it is for people in the same position to come forward, speak out, and never feel like you can't.

“Yes, the process is hard and will really push you to your limits, but justice will be served.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Victoria Leese said: “The victim in the case has shown a great deal of strength and resilience throughout this investigation.

“While no sentence can undo what Daniel O’Brien has done, I hope the conclusion of this case, and the fact he has faced justice, will help her 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. 

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/