Braintree man jailed for sexually assaulting a child
The offences took place in north Essex over a period of two months.
Last updated 2nd Feb 2026
A man from Braintree has been sentenced to seven years and ten months in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting a child.
Ricky Champ, 40, of Goldingham Drive, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court in November where he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on a child.
The offences took place in north Essex over a period of two months, between September and October 2025.
Champ was sentenced on Wednesday, 28th January, to a total of seven years and ten months in prison. He has also been handed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Speaking after the sentencing, the victim’s mother highlighted the support she has received from police and others, calling it “incredible.”
"This has been my – and I suppose every parent’s – worst nightmare. You read stories like this and you never in a million years think that would happen to you," she said.
"Everyone at Essex Police, everyone I’ve encountered, the judge, have been lovely; if I could shake everyone’s hand, I would.
“The officers Katie (Knight), Hayley (Green) and Sarah (Woollett) – they’ve all been incredible, so sympathetic and so helpful. My ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) Clare, the same. Without all of them, I would have crumbled by now.
“They have been absolutely impeccable for us."
The mother also expressed relief that Champ is off the streets, but noted that no sentence could make the situation easier.
"It’s good that he is off the streets. Women and girls are safer with him in prison, but no sentence makes what’s happened any easier. We’re moving day-by-day doing what we feel we can do.
"We are a strong family, and we will move past it."
DC Katie Knight, part of the child abuse investigation team, praised the victim and her mother for their strength throughout the case.
"The bravery of our victim and her mother has been truly humbling," Knight said.
“This case has progressed very quickly, from the first report in October last year, to a sentence being handed down within four months.
“I hope that, in time, they will be able to look forward with positivity knowing that Champ will spend a significant amount of time in jail and will be rigorously monitored when he is released.”