A prolific south Essex offender has been convicted of 28 child sex offences.

Matthew Rivett had been charged with multiple counts including rape and assault by penetration.

The offences relating to four children who alleged they were sexually abused between 2002 and 2019 in Pitsea and on Canvey.

The abuse came to light when some of the offences were reported to police in 2020.

Further allegations were reported the following year.

Through investigations, one of the victims disclosed the 43 year-old had filmed some of the abuse.

With each victim, the abuse took place over the course of several years.

Rivett, of Stokefelde, Pitsea, was charged with 29 offences in total and, following a trial at Basildon Crown Court, he was convicted of 28 of the charges on 31 October.

He’s due to be sentenced at the same court on January 6 2023.

Investigating officer PC Nick Scheider, from the Basildon Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “The victims in this case have demonstrated great strength to report and re-tell the horrendous ordeal Matthew Rivett subjected them to.

“It is difficult to imagine what they have been through, and their experience has and is likely to have a profound impact on their lives.

“Rivett has now been held to account for the awful crimes he has committed and now faces the prospect of a significant amount of time in prison.

“No conviction or sentence can undo the damage he has done, but I hope this will help all those affected to move forward.”