A MAN who "groomed, exploited and took advantage" of a child in south Essex has been jailed after admitting child sex offences.

An investigation was launched by Essex Police's child abuse investigations team after concerns were raised over reported sexual activity between 20-year-old Tyrese Smith and a child in the Tilbury area last year.

This also followed reports Smith, of Grove Road, Romford, had breached bail conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police.

Police spoke to the victim, putting immediate support in place, before carrying out a number of enquiries to locate and arrest Smith on November 27.

Officers say he was heard to make a significant comment when fleeing the victim’s address just hours before his arrest, voicing his fear he would be jailed for his offending.

Smith answered no comment to all questions asked of him in interview, but later admitted all charges at Basildon Crown Court.

His guilty pleas to all charges Essex Police secured against him included three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He also admitted other charges secured by the Metropolitan Police in relation to sexual communications with a child and possession of indecent images of children.

Tyrese Smith, of Grove Road, Romford, will serve a four year and eight month sentence in a young offenders' institution, before he is subject to an extended period on license of two years and four months.

Trainee detective constable Matthew D Edson, officer in the case, said: “Smith groomed, exploited and took advantage of a child for his own sexual gratification.

“Thankfully the court shared our view – that the impact on the victim in this case has been profound and long-lasting.

“As such Smith will rightly serve an extended sentence.

“The orders that will be in place after his release from prison will ensure he is monitored and kept away from young people in the future.

“I would like to reserve my praise in this case for Smith’s victim, who has shown great maturity and dignity in coping with the pressures of seeing this case concluded, and also the victim’s family who have supported them throughout this process.

“Support is readily available for any victims of sexual offending, regardless of age, both through our specialist teams and partners.”

Appearing at court for sentence on Wednesday, February 28, Smith was also made the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and requirements as a registered sex offender, which will monitor his use of electronic devices and prohibit contact with children.

An indefinite restraining order will strictly prohibit further contact with the victim.