Family of sexually abused girl praises Essex Police after finding justice

The family of a girl who was abused over a two-year period have thanked Essex Police after her abuser was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Daniel O’Brien abused a girl over a two-year period before being sentenced in April 2024.

Essex Police began their investigation when the offences were reported in 2021. The work of the specialist child abuse investigation team led to the 38-year-old being charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration. He was found guilty of all charges in April this year following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

On Thursday 17 June, O’Brien, of Kursaal Way, Southend, was sentenced by the same court to a total term of 15 years in prison, suspended for three years and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

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As part of his sentencing, O’Brien was given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order prohibiting him from having contact with the victim and witnesses indefinitely.

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’s important that people in the same situation come forward, speak out and never feel like they can’t. Yes, the process is hard and will really push you to your limits, but justice will prevail.”

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 everyone 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 offers an Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service (ISVA) which provides support throughout the criminal justice process.

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