A man who sexually attacked three women during a three day time period has been given a hospital order following a trial.

Albert Stone, of no fixed address, attacked the victims at various locations in Southend between 31 March and 2 April last year.

He was charged with four sex assault charges and despite denying the charges, was found guilty on Friday 23 July following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

In the first incident he attacked a woman as she was power walking by the cliff steps at the Cliff's Pavilion but she shouted at him and continued on her walk.

The following day he assaulted a woman who had stopped to pick something up while out walking in the Southend area.

Then the day after that, he attacked a women as she walked through Chalkwell Park.

He forced her to the ground but ran off after she kicked out at him and screamed for help.

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Each woman was able to give a good description of the 30 year-old meaning officers could link the incidents.

At Basildon Crown Court yesterday, he was sentenced to a hospital order with no restriction of time.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Gary Fernon, from the Adult Sexual Assault Investigation Team, said: "I want to praise the bravery of the women Albert Stone attacked. These would have been terrifying incidents and they have shown incredible courage.

"Their descriptions of Stone were vital to us being able to link the attacks and identifying him.

"Albert Stone poses a danger to women and I am pleased he is now behind bars no longer in a position to do so.

"He is a sexual predator who targeted women on their own during the national lockdown, knowing there would be few witnesses to the attacks.

"He showed no remorse for the attacks and Essex is safer now he indeterminately detained.”