ESSEX Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team have praised the "tenacity and strength" of a young girl, after a man has been found guilty of 14 sexual offences against her.

John Darby, 66 of Thames Road, Grays, a welder-fabricator who lived and worked in Grays, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, 9 August where he was found guilty of 14 offences. 

In 2017, Essex Police received a report from a young girl, who disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Darby for a number of years.

The abuse began when the victim was eight years old and took place at Thurrock Yacht Club where he often taught children how to sail.

Darby was arrested and in interview denied all allegations against him.

Despite his denial, he was charged with 12 counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of attempted assault of a child under 13 by penetration.

A trial began at Basildon Crown Court on 6 August.

John Darby.

On Friday, 9 August, the jury returned in less than two hours and found Darby guilty on all counts.

He will appear at the same court on Thursday, 15 August to be sentenced.

Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet said: "The trauma that Darby has put this victim through is despicable. Even when given the opportunity, he refused to plead guilty, putting the victim and witnesses through a trial.

"In addition to the horrendous ordeal that this victim has been through, she has had to spend years re-living what happened to her when she was a child.

"I praise the bravery, tenacity and courage of this victim for remaining patient throughout this investigation in order to put a dangerous man behind bars. His conviction will not reverse the damage he has done, but I hope that the victim is able to start moving forward.

"Our Crime and Public Protection team will continue to work to make sure that dangerous perpetrators such as Darby are held accountable for their crimes.

"No matter how recently an offence took place, we will always investigate and support victims throughout the process."