A 20-year-old man has been given a seven-year sentence and deemed a risk to the public after engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Tyrese Smith, of Grove Road, Romford, will serve a four year and eight month sentence in a young offenders' institution, before he is subject to an extended period on license of two years and four months.

This sentence follows his guilty pleas all charges Essex Police secured against him, including three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He also admitted other charges secured by Met Police officers in relation to sexual communications with a child and possession of indecent images of children.

Officers with the Essex Police Child Abuse Investigations Team (CAIT), along with support from the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team (ASAIT) and Grays Local Investigations Team had launched enquiries after concerns were raised over reported sexual activity between Smith and a child in the Tilbury area last year.

This also followed reports Smith had breached bail conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police.

Essex officers spoke to the victim, putting immediate support in place, before carrying out a number of enquiries to locate and arrest Smith on 27 November last year.

Smith was heard to make a significant comment when fleeing the victim's address just hours before his arrest, voicing his fear he would be jailed for his offending.

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Specialist officers from CAIT and the Local Investigations Team obtained accounts from the victim and seized forensic exhibits from their address.

Smith answered 'no comment' to all questions asked of him in interview, but later admitted all charges at Basildon Crown Court.

Appearing at court for sentence, he was also made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and requirements as a Registered Sex Offender, which will monitor his use of electronic devices and prohibit contact with children.

An indefinite restraining order will strictly prohibit further contact with the victim.

T/DC Matthew D Edson, officer in the case, said: "Smith groomed, exploited and took advantage of a child for his own sexual gratification.

"Thankfully the court shared our view – that the impact on the victim in this case has been profound and long-lasting.

"As such Smith will rightly serve an extended sentence.

"The orders that will be in place after his release from prison will ensure he is monitored and kept away from young people in the future.

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"I would like to reserve my praise in this case for Smith's victim, who has shown great maturity and dignity in coping with the pressures of seeing this case concluded, and also the victim's family who have supported them throughout this process.

"Support is readily available for any victims of sexual offending, regardless of age, both through our specialist teams and partners."