Vile Basildon pedophile described as a “monster” is jailed for sexually assaulting a child

A BASILDON man described as a “monster” has been jailed for multiple sexual assaults on a child.

Harrison Hawkins, 37, of Kings Road, Steeple View, Basildon, was sentenced to a total of four years and six months in prison.

At the same court in May, Hawkins admitted three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of making indecent images of a child and one count of possession of extreme pornographic material.

Officers launched an investigation in June 2020 after receiving reports of indecent images of a child on Hawkins’ phone.

Then in November 2021, allegations of sexual abuse were leveled against Hawkins after the victim bravely told our Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) officers about further incidents.

Hawkins was asked about these allegations and responded to the question with “no comment.”

He was subsequently arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all charges, but changed his plea to guilty midway through the trial.

Today he was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for sexual assault on a child and 24 months in prison for two other counts of sexual assault on a child.

He was also sentenced to nine months in prison each for making indecent images of a child and three months for possessing an extreme pornographic image.

All sentences are executed at the same time.

Hawkins was also given a 10-year restraining order and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court ordered the equipment linked to the images to be seized and destroyed and a victim surcharge of £120 to be paid.

He was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Detective Detective Ian Burgess, who led the investigation, said: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Hawkins’ offending.

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim and his family who have endured a terrible ordeal. They have consistently demonstrated great courage and dignity.

“I hope today’s result brings them some closure.”

A mother, speaking on condition of anonymity, has praised police after her daughter’s attacker was jailed.

She added: “We were believed and I would advise anyone else who finds themselves in this situation to go to the police and report it. “You will be listened to and treated with respect.

“It feels like a black cloud over our heads has disappeared and we can start rebuilding our lives.

“He was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He seemed charming, friendly and seemed so shy.

“But I know it was all an act and he is actually a monster.

“We have a life ahead of us and that is thanks to the justice Essex Police have given us.

“The officer is our hero. I’m so grateful to him. He saved our lives.”