BENJAMIN LISGARTEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN GRAYS

In October 2018, a man identified as Benjamin Lisgarten was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 13. The incident took place in the town of Grays, Essex, and the case drew significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations.

Lisgarten, aged 31 and of no fixed address at the time, appeared before Basildon Magistrates’ Court on June 28 to face two charges related to non-penetrative sexual acts with a young girl under 13. The court proceedings revealed that the allegations stemmed from two separate incidents that occurred between April and October 2007, when Lisgarten was approximately 20 years old.

Following the initial hearing, the case was transferred to Basildon Crown Court, where Lisgarten pleaded guilty on July 26 to two counts of sexual activity with a child. His admission of guilt marked a significant development in the case, which had been closely followed by local residents and child protection advocates.

On Monday, October 24, Lisgarten was formally sentenced to four years in prison. In addition to his custodial sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities following his release. Furthermore, he was subjected to an indefinite restraining order, which prohibits him from approaching or contacting the victim or any other minors.

The court's decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the importance of safeguarding children from such abuse. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures within communities like Grays, where such incidents can have lasting impacts on victims and their families.