SOUTHEND PREDATOR WHO SEXUALLY ABUSED YOUNG BOY JAILED
A PREDATOR who sexually abused a young boy in Southend has been jailed with a sentence of almost 11 years in prison and on licence combined.Bradley Grocutt, 29, was jailed for six years and 11 months with an additional four years on extended licence at Basildon Crown Court October 1 after he was found guilty of abusing a child in 2017.
The abuse was reported to police in 2022 after it was disclosed by the victim to his family.
Grocutt, who denied all offences, was found guilty of two counts of sexual touching and one charge of digital penetration; he was also issued with a sexual harm prevention order meaning he will subject to lifelong monitoring after he is released.
The victim praised the work of investigating officer Detective Constable Kian Harding, saying the officer was "one of only two adults" he trusted, the detective was hailed by colleagues as setting a sterling example of professionalism and empathy in policing.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "A brave young victim of a sexual offence has praised an Essex Police officer as 'one of only two adults I trust' as his perpetrator was given a total sentence of almost 11 years.
"Grocutt sexually abused a young boy in 2017 in the Southend area.
The victim, who was a child at the time, disclosed the incident to family five years later, in 2022, and it was then reported to the police.
Grocutt, now 29, was then interviewed in July 2022 and denied all offences.
He was then charged with digital penetration and two counts of sexual touching.
He appeared in court in July and admitted each of the offences and was subsequently sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on October 1 to a total of ten years and 11 months.
Grocutt's sentence comprises six years and 11 months in custody, with a further four years on licence, he will immediately be taken back to prison if the conditions of his licence are breached.
Detective Inspector Matthew Schneider said: “The feedback provided by the victim in this case is particularly powerful and shows the impact Grocutt’s actions has had on this young person.
“I truly hope the sentence allows the victim to begin moving forward, knowing Grocutt will spend a substantial amount of time in jail.
“I must also pay tribute to the work Detective Constable Kian Harding.
The victim has specifically said Kian is ‘one of only two adults I trust’.
"His work shows everything that’s good in policing; professionalism, patience, empathy and a drive to see criminals held accountable."
