Mum brands her child's abuser 'a monster'

Hawkins, 37, was sentenced on Monday at Basildon Crown Court

A man jailed for sexually assaulting a child has been described as a "monster".

A judge at Basildon Crown Court sentenced 37-year-old Harrison Hawkins, of Kings Road, Steeple View, Basildon, to four-and-a-half years in prison.

Hawkins had earlier admitted three counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, two counts of taking indecent images of a child and one of possession of extreme pornographic material.

After Monday's sentencing, the mother of the victim said: "He was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He appeared charming, friendly, and seemed so shy - but I know it was all an act and he is, in fact, a monster."

'Rebuild our lives'

She added: “We have been believed and I would say to anyone else who finds themselves in this position to go to the police and report it.

"You will be listened to and treated with respect.

“It feels like a black cloud has been lifted from over our heads and we can start to rebuild our lives.”

The court heard how an investigation began in June 2020, after Essex Police received reports of indecent images of a child on Hawkins' phone.

Police put the allegations of sexual abuse to Hawkins in November 2021, after the victim had told them about further incidents.

The defendant was interviewed by officers about the allegations, but replied "no comment".

He was subsequently charged and pleaded not guilty. He changed his plea to guilty mid-way through his trial.

'Courage and dignity'

Hawkins has been put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Det Con Ian Burgess. of Essex Police, said he wanted to "pay tribute" to the victim and their family, who had been through an "awful ordeal".

"They have displayed immense courage and dignity throughout," he said.