MICHAEL MCKENZIE SENTENCED IN SOUTHEND FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON GIRL

In a case that has deeply affected the local community of Southend, Michael McKenzie, a 63-year-old resident of The Grove in Southend, was convicted and sentenced for a serious sexual assault involving a young girl. The incident, which took place years prior, culminated in McKenzie being found guilty of indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 16 during a trial held at Basildon Crown Court.

Following a thorough trial that concluded on October 29, McKenzie was sentenced to a term of two years and eight months in prison. The court heard a victim impact statement that painted a harrowing picture of the emotional and psychological toll inflicted upon the young girl. The statement revealed that the victim felt as though she was trapped inside her own mind, describing her mental state as being confined within a box. She expressed feelings of despair, stating that at times she believed she would be better off dead to escape the overwhelming pain caused by the abuse.

The victim also shared that she was led to believe she was to blame for what happened to her, which severely damaged her confidence and self-esteem. She recounted suffering from three miscarriages, which she attributes to the trauma she endured and kept bottled up inside. Her statement conveyed a sense of profound loneliness and self-hatred, with her believing she did not deserve anything good in life and that she was deserving of the suffering she endured.

During the trial, McKenzie was also accused of rape; however, the court found him not guilty of this charge. The judge, Shane Collery, addressed the court during sentencing, emphasizing that although the victim had initially consented, she was immature and unaware of the wrongfulness of the act at the time. The judge highlighted that the emotional impact of the abuse only surfaced later in life, causing her significant distress, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. He noted that the trauma had long-lasting effects, including the victim’s feelings of despair and thoughts of death.

Judge Collery also criticized McKenzie for his manipulative behavior and for causing the victim and her family to relive the pain through the lengthy legal process. He acknowledged McKenzie’s poor health but pointed out that this did not mitigate the severity of his actions. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offense and the lasting harm inflicted on the victim, underscoring the importance of justice for victims of such crimes in Southend and beyond.