Perpetrator who raped and sexually abused girls sentenced to 15 years in prison

A man who raped and sexually abused a girl was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Daniel O’Brien abused a girl over a two-year period between 2017 and 2019.

Essex Police began their investigation when the crimes were reported to us in 2021.

The girl’s family has thanked the police for their assistance in this case.

The work of their specialist child abuse investigation team resulted in the 38-year-old being charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual assault by penetration.

He was found guilty of all charges following a trial at Basildon Crown Court in April this year.

On Thursday 27 June, O’Brien, of Kursaal Way, Southend, was sentenced at the same court to a total term of 15 years in prison, given an extended suspended sentence of three years and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

He was also given a lifetime sexual violence prevention order and a restraining order prohibiting him from having contact with the victim and witnesses for an indefinite period.

Following the verdict, the family of the O’Brien abuse survivor said: “We would like to thank DC Victoria Leese for her support and genuine care she has shown.

“She has been an absolute support and we are grateful for everything she and everyone else who has cooperated and supported the investigation have done.

“It is important that people in the same situation come forward, speak their mind and never feel like they cannot.

“Yes, the process is tough and will really push you to your limits, but justice will be done.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Victoria Leese said: “The victim in this case has shown great strength and resilience throughout the investigation.

“No sentence can undo what Daniel O’Brien did, but I hope that the conclusion of this case and the fact that he has been brought to justice will help her to move on.”

There is support for all 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 genders in 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 of the police and supports victims and survivors throughout their lives.

Victims and survivors can self-report or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and have access to specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy.

For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service (ISVA) which offers support throughout the criminal justice process.

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