Sexual activity with a child.

20-Year-Old Man Sentenced for Sexual Offenses Against Child

Tyrese Smith, 20, of Grove Road, Romford, has been sentenced to an extended seven-year term and deemed a risk to the public after engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Smith will serve a four-year and eight-month sentence in a young offenders' institution, followed by an extended period on licence of two years and four months. This sentence follows his guilty pleas to all charges brought against him by Essex Police, including three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He also admitted to charges brought by the Metropolitan Police relating to sexual communications with a child and possession of indecent images of children.

Essex Police's Child Abuse Investigations Team (CAIT), along with support from the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team (ASAIT) and Grays Local Investigations Team, initiated investigations after concerns were raised about reported sexual activity between Smith and a child in the Tilbury area last year. These investigations were further prompted by reports that Smith had breached bail conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police.

Smith was arrested on November 27 last year. He was heard to make a significant comment while fleeing the victim's address just hours before his arrest, expressing his fear of being jailed for his offenses. Smith initially answered no comment to all questions asked during his interview but later admitted to all charges at Basildon Crown Court.

At his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, February 28, Smith was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and requirements as a Registered Sex Offender. These measures will monitor his use of electronic devices and prohibit contact with children.

An indefinite restraining order has been imposed, strictly prohibiting further contact with the victim.