Coggeshall paedophile jailed after sexually assaulting child

Joshua King, of West Street, Coggeshall, was found to have sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13 earlier this year. 

Officers and staff with Essex Police’s North Child Abuse Investigation Team led a detailed investigation into King’s offending. 

After his arrest, the 40-year-old admitted sexual assault of a child aged under 13 and two counts of assaulting a child aged under 13 by penetration.

During the sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Christopher Morgan told King he had committed “serious offences in any circumstances”.

He added how King would have been well aware of her young age and simply took advantage of her.

In a statement read to the court, King’s victim spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse on her social life and mental health.

She said: “I have been worrying about court and for the last two weeks I have not slept well. 

“I am really upset and I have been upset for a long time.” 

King was sentenced to ten-and-a-half years in jail and will serve a further year on license upon his release. 

He will remain subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a five-year restraining order and will be barred from ever working with children. 

DetConFrancine Gilman, officer in the case, said: “It took enormous strength and courage, far beyond the victim’s years, to reach this point in this case. 

“She has shown inspiring bravery throughout a difficult process. 

“Our specialist child abuse investigation teams are there for victims throughout an investigation, from that initial point of contact, right through the court case and beyond. 

“Anyone who has suffered similar abuse must never feel like they have nowhere to turn. 

“You will be heard, you will be listened to, you are not alone. 

“King’s sexual abuse of a young girl was rightly recognised as serious offending. He will spend a lengthy term behind bars and stringent conditions mean when he is released, he will be tightly monitored.”