Canvey: Man jailed for child sexual abuse
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“Tell the police, you will be believed, and they will do their best to get justice. Please don’t suffer in silence.”
This message comes from a victim of sexual assault after her abuser was jailed for his crimes.
The 85-year-old man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually abusing two young girls following a complex investigation by officers from our Child Abuse Investigation Team.
10-year period of abuse
Stuart Hart, of Seaway, Canvey Island, appeared at Basildon Crown Court, on Thursday 3 October, where he was jailed for the offences which happened over a 10-year period.
An investigation into non-recent allegations against Hart was launched in May 2022 after Essex Police received a report detailing multiple offences of sexual abuse against young girls.
While being interviewed he denied all the allegations against him and disgracefully described them as “fanciful” and said the girls had “vivid imaginations”.
Hart was subsequently charged with three counts of assault by touching in relation to two children.
"shown no remorse"
At a previous hearing at the same court on Friday 24 May he had pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by touching. He pleaded not guilty to the third charge, and this was withdrawn.
Her Honour Judge Samantha Cohen sentenced him and said:
“You have shown no remorse at any point in what you have done.”
On the first count, he was sentenced to 18 months behind bars. He was jailed for six months for the second charge and these sentences will run concurrently.
"you will be believed"
One of his two victims, who were both very young when the abuse started, said:
“This has had a major impact on my life, I think it will affect me for the rest of my life.
"It had been difficult going through this process, but it has definitely been worth it.
"I’m relieved to see him go to prison for what he has done.
"I would like to tell anyone who has been through something similar that if you tell the police, you will be believed, and they will do their best to get justice.
"Please don’t suffer in silence.
"I would like to thank Sam from Southend on Sea Rape Crisis, and my counsellor Liz.”
incredibly brave
Detective Constable Ian Burgess, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims coming forward to report the crimes.
“What these young girls have gone through over a number of years is horrific and they have shown incredible bravery to come forward to report this abuse.
"This was a complex investigation, with the offences going back a number of years.
"But the work of a number of detectives and staff at Essex Police, alongside the witness testimony of our victims, ensured Hart had no choice but to admit his crimes.
"Nothing is more important than protecting children from harm and dangerous predators.
"It doesn’t matter how long ago those offences happen, we work tirelessly to bring those responsible before the courts.
"Support is available to anyone affected by sexual abuse and no victim or survivor is alone.
"Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of sexual abuse of all ages and genders across Essex.”
Synergy Essex
Synergy Essex offers independent and specialised services for individuals who have experienced rape or sexual abuse in Essex.
Synergy Essex is a partnership of three services; Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service, and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).
The services provided by Synergy Essex are independent of the police. This ensures individuals can seek help whether they choose to report the incident or not. This could be in relation to something that happened recently or in the past.
Survivors and victims can access support by reaching out on their own or through a referral from someone they trust. This could be a family member, friend, or professional.
At Synergy Essex, people of all ages can benefit from specialised emotional support. This includes counselling and advocacy.
For those pursuing legal action, they offer the help of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA). The advisers can guide and support them through the criminal justice process.
To learn more about the services available, please visit the Synergy Essex website.