JONATHAN MORRIS FROM CLACTON FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Clacton and the surrounding areas, Jonathan Morris, aged 46 and with no fixed address, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young boy. The incidents took place in various locations, including Chisbon Heath and Clacton itself, and have raised significant concerns about the safety of children in the region.

During the proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court, Morris was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault and one count of a serious sexual assault. These offenses were committed against a boy who was only nine or ten years old at the time. Morris had initially denied all charges, but the jury's verdict confirmed his guilt after a thorough trial.

Judge Brian Watling, presiding over the case, made it clear that Morris should expect a custodial sentence. However, he chose to delay the sentencing until a comprehensive psychiatric report could be prepared, indicating the court’s concern about Morris’s mental state and the potential risk he poses to society.

In his remarks following the verdict, Judge Watling emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "He is a confirmed paedophile and this man now has a record of offending against children dating back to 1978. I am very concerned about the danger this man represents."

Prosecutor Nicholas Wilcox provided a detailed account of Morris’s criminal history, revealing that his offending began as early as 1978. Wilcox explained that Morris had previously been imprisoned for 18 months after being convicted of four counts of indecent assault and four acts of gross indecency. His criminal activities extended beyond the UK, as he was also sentenced to six years in prison in Ireland for unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16.

The court heard how Morris’s victim, now 19, had expressed a desire to learn horse riding. A family friend mentioned Morris, and after meeting the young boy, arrangements were made for Morris to pick him up from school on multiple occasions. The court was told that Morris took the boy to his home twice, where, during a bath, he indecently assaulted the child. The assaults also occurred at Morris’s residence and at an industrial unit in Clacton, further illustrating the extent of his predatory behavior.

Following the guilty verdict, Morris’s former mother-in-law, Janet Brick, expressed her relief and outrage. She stated, “I’m glad, in fact I’m ecstatic. I just hope he gets a stiff sentence to send out a clear message to others.” Her comments reflect the community’s desire for justice and the importance of protecting children from individuals like Morris, whose history and recent actions have caused widespread concern.