Woman thanks Essex Police after sexual abuser is jailed
A complex investigation took place following allegations of sexual abuse that had taken place 25 years ago.
A survivor of sexual abuse has thanked Essex Police for their kindness and compassion after her sexual abuser was jailed following an investigation which began in 2019.
The woman, who now lives in Sheffield, said that she felt a great burden had been lifted and justice had been served.
"I wasn’t believed when I was young, but finally I had the strength to say what had happened to me. It was extremely difficult and traumatic at times, but the support from Essex Police and officers in Sheffield really helped me through.
"I feel like I can now start to repair my life. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I have been through, but making the call to Essex Police was the best decision I could have made.
"The officer in my case was absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond for me the whole time."
'Detailed and complex investigation'
An investigation was launched in April 2019 after reports were made of child sexual abuse which had happened 25 years ago in Essex.
Following a "detailed and complex" investigation, 71-year-old William Emery interviewed by officers in the beginning of 2020.
He repeatedly denied a number of allegations put to him, but charges were made in August 2022.
Emery was charged with two counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years and one count of incite a girl under 14 years of age to commit an act of gross indecency.
He continued to deny the allegations, but following a trial at Basildon Crown Court a jury found him guilty on all three counts on 3 September 2024.
He was sentenced on Friday 31 January to four years and 10 months, with one year to be served on licence in relation to the indecent assault charge.
He was sentenced to 12 months for the second indecent assault charge, and in relation to the incitement charge, 20 months.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Following the sentence, Detective Constable Jane Egerton from Essex Police's Quest team, who investigate sexual offence reports where the victim was a child at the time of the offence but is now an adult, paid tribute to the survivor in this case for supporting this investigation.
"This has been a very difficult few years for her, but she has shown immense tenacity and courage. She was very relieved when the jury found her abuser guilty.
"We are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice, but if you are not ready to report an incident to us there is a lot of support available across Essex and people for you to talk to."
The survivor added:
"Please do find someone to talk to if you have experienced sexual assault. I know how difficult taking that first step can be but find a support service near you. They will be able to guide you and support you."