A GRAYS man who is currently serving a prison sentence for drugs supply offences, will serve an extended term behind bars after being convicted of child cruelty - described as 'abhorrent treatment' of an innocent child

Riyadur Rahman, currently imprisoned at HMP Chelmsford, was jailed for a further 23 months at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, 30 May after he pleaded guilty an earlier hearing.

Rahman, 29, was already serving a sentence of four years for Class A drug supply offences after being jailed for that in May last year.

Essex Police said they carried out a "sensitive and difficult" investigation after concerns were raised about a young boy who had been taken to hospital in Southend with injuries and bruising to his face in August 2018.

Police said the offences took place in Southend. 

Riyadur Rahman

Rahman was arrested and summonsed to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court on 10 January 2022 to answer a charge of cruelty to a person under 16.

Rahman initially denied the offence but changed his plea to guilty at an appearance at Basildon Crown Court on 23 August last year.

PC Jack Bronsdon, who led the investigation, said: "Any concerns raised to us about the welfare of any child will always be investigated by officers from our Child Abuse Investigation Team.

"It's a team dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable children who cannot speak up for themselves and securing justice for any child in a similar situation.

"Rahman initially denied his involvement in the abhorrent treatment of an innocent child, but he admitted his guilt and he has been rightly punished for his actions."   

The fresh sentence will be added to the time he is due to serve.