Stratford sex offender jailed

A MAN WHO committed serial acts of sexual abuse against a young girl between 2004 and 2011 has been sentenced to six years in prison. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention order and his name will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

A young victim had been abused by Jonathan Craddock, 51, of Kenton Way, Basildon at an address in Stratford. The abuse took place on frequent occasions over seven years, from 2004 to 2011. The girl had suffered in silence until 2015, when she summoned up the confidence to approach the police.

The Metropolitan Police Child Sexual Exploitation Team investigated the victim’s report. They found evidence which supported the victim’s account of events. Craddock was convicted by a jury on five counts of sexual activity with a child aged under 13 years and one count of sexual activity with a child aged 13-17 years. He was found not guilty of one count of possessing indecent images of a child.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Janet Glover commented on this case, while also hoping that any other victims will find the strength to come forward. She said: “This victim was a vulnerable child when she was systematically abused by an adult she trusted. The courage she has demonstrated in coming forward is commendable and I hope that today’s verdict not only provides this brave young woman with a measure of closure, but that her actions inspire others who have suffered abuse to come forward and speak with police.

“We are committed to investigating anyone who offends against children and we work hard to place offenders before the courts. It matters not how long has passed since the abuse took place and I urge anyone who has been victimised by a sex offender to speak with police or if preferred, contact Children’s Social Services of the NSPCC in the first instance – but please, do speak with someone.”

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