A THURROCK man has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offences including rape of a child, following a three-year investigation by the Essex Police Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Brett Baker, 33, of River View, Chadwell St Mary, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, 28 May where, following a week-long trial, he was found guilty of sexually abusing a child. 

Essex Police received a report on 27 January of a child being sexually assaulted at a borough property.

Baker was arrested the following day and was released on bail to allow the Child Abuse Investigation Team to conduct further enquiries.

Initially the victim wasn't able to verbalise the abuse but with specialist support from CAIT officers over a period of time she felt able to disclose that she had been abused on multiple occasions.

In addition to the victim's account forensic tests were conducted which revealed the suspect's DNA being found in the victim's underwear which supported her account.

Throughout the investigation officers have worked closely with Children's Social Care to ensure that the victim was safeguarded and received the support necessary to help her deal with the trauma.

Throughout the court process special measures were used to ensure that the victim was able to provide evidence in a safe and supported way and at the same time ensuring that the best evidence was available.

Baker was charged with rape of a girl under 13, three counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration and one count of sexual assault of a child under 13. 

After pleading not guilty, Baker was found guilty of all counts.

Detective Constable Jeffery Wainman said: "The victim was under 10 years-old at the time she was abused and it's difficult to comprehend the suffering that Baker has caused her.

"I would like to commend the officers in this case, who have spent hours analysing distressing evidence to secure this conviction against Baker.

"Our Child Abuse Investigation Team continue to work closely with partners including social care to protect vulnerable children and investigate child abuse."

Baker will appear at Basildon Crown Court on 28 June for sentencing.