A BILLERICAY 76-year-old has been jailed after "subjecting a child to a long-running campaign of abuse" 35 years ago.

Edward Cheverall committed several offences against the victim - at the time a child - in 1985.

The predator subjected the victim to regular assaults over the course of several months.

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He was interviewed by Essex Police officers in November 2019 after the offences were reported the previous month; he was later charged with indecent assault.

Investigating officer DC Patrick Snape said: “Edward Cheverall subjected them to a long-running campaign of abuse and he has now been held accountable for his actions.

“No child should be exposed to what the victim was and I think they have showed an incredible amount of bravery to tell us what happened."

He added:  “I want to praise the courage demonstrated by the victim in this case because these were traumatic assaults which have had a lasting impact on them.
“While, no sentence will turn back the clock but I hope this will help the victim move forward.

“I hope this case shows that you can get the justice you deserve, no matter how long ago the offences took place and I hope it will encourage other people to come forward.”
 
On Friday, January 20 Cheverall, of Tavistock Drive, Billericay, was jailed at Chelmsford Crown Court for three years and given a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order having previously pleaded guilty two counts of indecent assault.

Essex Police says support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, "and no victim or survivor is alone".

Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey. 

Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy. For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process. 

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/