CONCERN has been expressed that a man was allowed his freedom after committing sexual offences while out on bail for previous infringements of the law.

However, it has been pointed out that Leonard Scamp, 33, of Love Lane, Aveley, did spend five months behind bars last year after his second bout of offending.

Scamp appeared at Basildon Crown Court on 22 December for sentencing, after pleading guilty to six counts of sexual assault and a Section 4A Public Order offence.

It follows an investigation led by detectives from Grays' Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who received reports from women subjected to sexual assaults or harassment while walking in the area in December 2021 and July 2022.

The incidents took place along Aveley High Street and Dacre Crescent in Aveley, and Goldsmith and London Road in Grays.

The women reported being approached from behind by a man riding a push bike, who then sexually assaulted or harassed them.

A police statement said: "Following initial reports in December 2021, the description of the man was shared across our teams. The following day, officers from our West Disruptor team arrested Scamp while carrying out proactive patrols in the area.

"Two push bikes matching the descriptions given were also found at his home.

"He was charged with three counts of sexual assault and plead guilty to both charges. He was released on conditional bail by the court to await sentencing.

"On Saturday 16 July 2022, we received further reports of sexual assault and harassment of women walking along London Road, Grays.

"The description of the man matched Scamp, who was arrested by officers from Grays' Local Policing Team (LPT) within an hour.

"Around the clock work from officers at Grays CID ensured that he was further charged and remanded for the offences.

"Scamp pleaded guilty to the additional three counts of sexual assault and one count of harassment.

"On Friday 22 December at Basildon Crown Court, he was sentenced to a three-year community order, 60 hours of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work in connection with all seven charges.

"His details have been added to the sex offender's register and officers were able to secure an additional sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for five years."

One of Scamps victims contact Nub News to say that she felt the sentence was not enough and that Scamp had already proved he was capable of breaking stringent rules.

However, Detective Inspector Tracey Golding believes there is now enough monitoring in place to prevent Scamp reoffending.

She said: "Grays CID, supported by multiple teams across the force, worked diligently to identify and arrest the man responsible for these crimes and bring him before the courts.

"He spent five months on remand before being sentenced and will now be supervised by the Probation Trust throughout his community order.

"We used every tool at our disposal to help keep people safe and I'm incredibly proud of the officers who were able to secure the additional SHPO order.

"This orders Scamp not to approach women he doesn't already know without due cause and requires him to notify officers if his routine changes.

"But most of all, I'd like to thank the women who came forward to report Scamp's actions – you ensured that he answered for his appalling behaviour.

"If anyone reading this has had something similar happen to you or a friend, please contact us and know that we will take your report seriously.

"Nobody has a right to make you feel intimidated or unsafe."