Sex offender assaulted five victims in 1980s and 90s

The defendant is due to appear again for sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court in July

A 53-year-old man has been convicted of historical sexual offences against five victims.

Sean Richmond, of Hillyfields in Loughton, pleaded guilty last week to 14 offences including attempted rape.

The original investigation against Richmond was at risk of collapse, but Essex Police later identified more of his victims.

He is due to be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on 19 July.

Police said he committed the offences in the late 1980s and the early 1990s.

He was first arrested in 2015 after reports he sexually assaulted two victims.

Richmond denied all the allegations and prosecutors recommended he face no further action.

However, detectives said they continued to collect evidence and the three further victims later contacted police.

The defendant pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault, indecency with a child and attempted rape.

Following the conviction, police quoted one of the victims as saying: “To my innocent, beautiful younger self: it's all over now we're free.”

Det Con Matthew Edson said ringing the five victims to inform them of the conviction was "one of the proudest moments in my career".

“This result would not have been possible without their bravery, patience and understanding and I hope that they’re able to start moving forward," he added.