A CHILD sex abuser has been sentenced for the crimes he committed in the area.

Andrew Dutton, 63, of Dean Street, Blackpool abused two boys in Benfleet in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Dutton was charged with five counts of indecent assault and five counts of indecency with a child.

He was found guilty of all ten offences on Wednesday, June 15 following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Yesterday, at Basildon Crown Court, he was jailed for a total of 17 and a half years for the crimes.

The victim, who is remaining anonymous, said: “Andrew Dutton is a disgusting, manipulative, remorseless child sex abuser.

“He ruthlessly exploited my vulnerability as a teenager and young adult for his own sexual gratification.

“His sentence will take away his retirement as punishment.”

Essex Police officers have been thanked for treating a sexual abuse victim with “compassion and respect” during the 18-month investigation.

The offences were reported to the police in March and April 2019 and the Quest team, who investigate non-recent child sexual abuse began the inquiry.

The victim said: “When I first came forward, I never thought I would get so far as to see my abuser sentenced.

“DC Emily Monk led the investigation, treating me with compassion and respect.

“On behalf of me and my family I cannot thank her and her team of officers enough for the role they played in achieving a conviction.

“That said, the myriad of lies the defendant perpetrated to try and escape justice still made being cross examined a brutal experience.

“But I can say to other victims is the knowledge you are telling the truth will give you the strength to get through it.

“You can say to a defendant’s barrister ‘no, what you are saying is not correct, that is something that has been made up and is untrue’.

“I would like to thank Jane Oldfield who prosecuted the case in court for her work.

“To see her slowly, piece by piece, lay bare for all to see the defendant’s guilt was quite something.

“Coming forward as a victim of this sort of crime takes courage and will be stressful at times. But these criminals can be brought to justice.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emily Monk said: “I want to praise the courage and bravery of Andrew Dutton’s victims.

“The ordeals he subjected them too have had long lasting impacts on their mental wellbeing.

“I cannot imagine what they have been through but I’m pleased Dutton has now been held accountable for his actions.

“I hope this result will help his victims move forward.”