Colchester man jailed for sexual offences involving AI technology
30-year-old Cosmin Cercel sexually assaulted a child and used AI to make indecent images of another
A 30-year-old man from Colchester has been jailed for five years and four months after being sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court for a series of sexual offences involving indecent images and AI technology.
Cosmin Cercel was convicted of multiple offences after detectives from Essex conducted a detailed investigation that began in December 2025 when one victim disclosed the assault to their mother.
An initial examination of Cercel’s phone revealed the extent of his offences. Due to the substantial amount of content, specialists conducted a thorough review that identified an additional victim and prompted further charges.
Through advanced digital forensics, detectives were able to contact the family of the second victim, who were previously unaware of Cercel’s actions. They were supported by officers as investigators continued to gather evidence.
Cercel used AI technology to manipulate images of the second victim to make them appear indecent.
Cercel, of Winnock Road, faced multiple charges, including attempted rape, four counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, taking indecent images of a child across three categories, and making a pseudo photograph of a child.
He denied the charge of attempted rape but pleaded guilty to the other nine offences when he appeared in court on 2nd February 2026. The charge of attempted rape was left on the file.
On 12th May, Cercel was sentenced to five years and four months in prison, placed on the sex offenders’ register, and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.
Following the conviction, the families of the victims expressed appreciation for the detectives who swiftly concluded the investigation.
Lead investigator Detective Constable Fiona Brodie said:
"This case involved a significant betrayal of trust by an individual who took advantage of young, vulnerable children.
"As the officer in the case, I am immensely proud of the swift, dedicated work of our team; by using advanced digital forensics, we were able to quickly uncover the full extent of Cercel’s actions and ensure he was held accountable for his crimes.
"Most importantly, I want to praise the incredible bravery and strength of the victims and their families.
"They have shown such dignity throughout this investigation, and I hope this sentence provides them with some sense of justice as they begin to move forward."