IAN PRICE SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES ON CANVEY ISLAND

In a recent court ruling, Ian Price, a 49-year-old man from Canvey Island, has been sentenced to an additional 11 years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences committed during the 1970s and 1980s. Price, who is already serving an indeterminate sentence for sexual grooming, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault and rape related to his actions spanning over a decade.

During the proceedings at Basildon Crown Court, it was revealed that the abuse took place over a 13-year period, beginning in August 1971 and continuing until September 1984. The victims, whose identities remain protected, endured a prolonged period of suffering at the hands of Price, who targeted young girls on Canvey Island, Essex. The court heard that Price had previously admitted to two counts of indecent assault and one count of engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, confirming his involvement in some of the offences.

However, he denied a further 19 counts, which included allegations of rape, attempted rape, and additional indecent assaults. The jury was tasked with examining these claims, and ultimately, Price was found guilty of the charges related to indecent assault and rape, though he was acquitted of five other counts of indecent assault.

Detective Constable Paul Alabaster commented on the case, stating, “The two victims have expressed that they will never forgive or forget the habitual sexual abuse they endured at the hands of Price. They were extremely pleased that the jury accepted their version of events.” He also highlighted the challenges faced in investigating such cases, especially given the significant passage of time—over 30 years—since the offences occurred. “Historic child abuse cases are always difficult to investigate, and this case was particularly complex due to the age of the offences,” he added.

Ian Price’s criminal history includes a previous conviction in 2009 at Southwark Crown Court, where he was found guilty of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, attempting to incite a 14-year-old to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to cause a 14-year-old to watch a sexual act. The recent sentencing underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice for victims of historic abuse, especially in cases where the perpetrators have long evaded accountability.