DEAN HARRIS OF ROCHFORD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE AND FILMING CRIMES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rochford, Dean Harris, a 44-year-old man, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving a young child. The offences came to light in June 2018, when Harris was arrested following a series of investigations into the distribution of child abuse material and his own disturbing actions.

Harris, who resides on Alexandra Road in Rochford, was initially detained after an adult chat site conversation led to the discovery of his involvement in sharing a deeply disturbing video. During a private exchange with a woman on the platform, Harris revealed details of his criminal acts, including drugging a young girl and engaging in sexual activities with her. The woman, appalled by what she saw and heard, decided to report the conversation to the police, which set in motion a comprehensive investigation.

Authorities quickly responded and launched an inquiry into Harris’s digital devices. The police uncovered a catalogue of illicit materials, including videos and images depicting young girls and boys, stored on his electronic devices. These materials included a video in which Harris himself was recorded committing acts of sexual assault against a minor. The police found that Harris had deliberately stored this footage to repeatedly watch his own crimes, a chilling indication of his depravity.

Harris was brought before Basildon Crown Court, where he admitted to multiple charges. He pleaded guilty to one count of raping a girl under the age of 13. Additionally, he confessed to administering a substance to the child, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and several offences related to the possession and distribution of vile and illegal material. The court heard that Harris’s disturbing actions were revealed after he shared a video and expressed his desire to commit similar acts again during a private chat with the same woman.

Prosecutor Richard Burrington outlined the gravity of the case, stating, “He indicated he wanted to share something not on the public forum. During the course of that conversation, the defendant indicated that he had drugged a child and performed sexual activities on her.” The chat participant, upon realizing the severity of Harris’s confessions, reported the conversation to the police. Further investigation confirmed that Harris had stored the video of his assault, which he kept for his own gratification.

In sentencing, Judge John Lodge described Harris as a dangerous offender, emphasizing the serious nature of his crimes. He sentenced Harris to an extended term of 26 years, with a minimum of 18 years to be served in prison. Following his release, Harris will be subject to an additional eight years on licence, ensuring ongoing supervision of his activities. The judge highlighted that Harris’s actions, including the possession and viewing of indecent images and the brutal nature of his offences, warranted such a substantial sentence.

Judge Lodge concluded by acknowledging that Harris’s crimes only came to light because others, who shared similar disturbing interests, were horrified and chose to report him. The court’s decision underscores the severity of Harris’s crimes and the community’s need for justice and protection from such dangerous individuals.