Canvey man, 85, jailed for sexually abusing two young girls

Stuart Hart, of Seaway, Canvey, appeared at Basildon Crown Court today, where he was jailed for multiple offences which happened over a ten-year period.

An investigation into historic allegations against Hart was launched in May 2022 after Essex Police received a report detailing multiple offences of sexual abuse against young girls.

While being interviewed, he denied all the allegations against him and disgracefully described them as "fanciful" and said the girls had "vivid imaginations".

Hart was subsequently charged with three counts of assault by touching in relation to two children.

At a previous hearing at the same court on May 24, he had pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by touching.

He pleaded not guilty to the third charge, and this was withdrawn.

Today, Hart has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually abusing two young girls following a complex investigation.

Her Honour Judge Samantha Cohen sentenced him and said: “You have shown no remorse at any point in what you have done,”

On the first count, he was sentenced to 18 months behind bars. He was jailed for six months for the second charge and these sentences will run concurrently.

Following the sentencing, one of his two victims said: “This has had a major impact on my life, I think it will affect me for the rest of my life.

“It had been difficult going through this process, but it has definitely been worth it.

“I am relieved to see him go to prison for what he has done.

“I would like to tell anyone who has been through something similar that if you tell the police, you will be believed, and they will do their best to get justice.

“Please don’t suffer in silence. I would like to thank Sam from Southend Rape Crisis, and my counsellor Liz.”

Det Con Ian Burgess, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims coming forward to report the crimes.

He said: “What these young girls have gone through over a number of years is horrific and they have shown incredible bravery to come forward to report this abuse.

“This was a complex investigation, with the offences going back a number of years.

“But the work of a number of detectives and staff at Essex Police, alongside the witness testimony of our victims, ensured Hart had no choice but to admit his crimes.”

“Nothing is more important than protecting children from harm and dangerous predators.

“It doesn’t matter how long ago those offences happen, we work tirelessly to bring those responsible before the courts.

“Support is available to anyone affected by sexual abuse and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of sexual abuse of all ages and genders across Essex."