A man from Colchester has been sentenced to 14 years behind bars for sexually abusing a child over the course of seven years.

Toby Lees, 29, of Garland Road, was charged with six counts of rape of a child under 13 and seven counts of sexual activity with a child under 17.

The charges related to incidents which took place between 2011 and 2018 against one victim.

Lees was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on April 11 after admitting all 13 offences, and was sentenced today, Friday, May 25.

He has been put on the sex offenders register indefinitely and a sexual harm prevention order has also been granted.

DC Michael Summers, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “It has been a traumatic period of time for the victim and their family.

“Today’s sentencing, I hope, will offer some closure and comfort, and afford a period of time for them to rebuild their lives.

“Toby Lees will now have time in custody to reflect on the long lasting damage he has caused as a result of his actions.

“He freely admitted to a number of these charges, and is an individual who poses a very real threat to the personal safety of children and young people.

“Essex Police continues to encourage victims of sexual crimes to come forward so that they can be fully supported by our specialist officers.”