NICHOLAS CREANE BANNED IN BRAINTREE FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND INTERNET CRIMES

In a case that has shocked the community of Braintree, Nicholas Creane, a 44-year-old resident of Stubbs Lane, was sentenced to a decade behind bars at Chelmsford Crown Court for heinous crimes involving a young girl under the age of ten. The court heard that Creane engaged in sexual acts with the child, which he then broadcasted over the internet, a revelation that has sparked widespread outrage and concern about online safety and child protection.

Judge Christopher Ball QC did not hold back in his condemnation of Creane’s actions. He described the defendant as a significant danger to young girls and explicitly labeled him a paedophile, emphasizing the severity of his misconduct. The judge stated, “You engaged in sexual acts with a young child involving exhibitionism,” underscoring the gravity of the offenses committed.

Creane’s sentencing included a six-year extended license period, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities upon release. This extension is in addition to the ten-year prison sentence he received after admitting to multiple serious charges, including oral rape, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch sex acts, distributing indecent images, and two separate offenses related to creating indecent images.

It was revealed during the proceedings that Creane’s arrest was triggered by information from another investigation. An unrelated man, who had come across disturbing content on the internet, contacted police out of concern. This individual had observed a webcam chat in which Creane was involved and subsequently communicated with him via MSN Messenger. The man was asked if he wanted to visit Braintree, with details of a hotel and arrangements discussed, which raised suspicions and led to Creane’s arrest in June of the previous year.

Prosecutor Samantha Leigh explained that the concerned man had reported his observations to the authorities, which ultimately uncovered Creane’s disturbing online activities. The investigation revealed that Creane had a prior conviction in May 2002, when he was fined £350 for offenses involving indecent images, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior.

During the court proceedings, Alan Compton, representing Creane, acknowledged the heinous nature of the crimes, stating, “There is no mitigation concerning the nature of the offences. They cause abhorrence to the public.” He also noted that Creane was fully aware of how he would be perceived, describing him as knowing he would be viewed as “the scum of the Earth.”

As a result of his conviction, Creane faces a lengthy period of supervision and restrictions, with the extended license ensuring he remains under surveillance for six years after his release, should he be granted parole. The case has left the community of Braintree deeply disturbed and underscores the ongoing challenges in safeguarding children from online predators and ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.