A BASILDON man has been jailed for 12 years after filming himself abusing a child.

Vernon Pickett, 53, of Waldringfield, abused the child at an address in Basildon in July and August last year.

The offences came to light when the victim made a report to police and when a forensic examination of his mobile phones was carried out, officers identified 28 separate videos showing Pickett carrying out the abuse.

They also found more than 150 images.

Officers found no evidence that the any of the videos or images were ever shared with anyone else.

Pickett was arrested on 27 December last year and later charged with a total of 16 offences.

At Basildon Crown Court on Friday, 11 June, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual assault with a child, one count of assault of a child by penetration, one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempted rape of a child, and four counts of making indecent images of a child.

At the same court, he was jailed for 12 years and will serve six years on licence.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Investigating officer PC Nick Schneider, from the Essex Police Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Vernon Pickett abused and exploited a young and vulnerable child and documented his horrific behaviour.

"His actions are truly unthinkable and the community is a safer place with this predator behind bars.

"I want to praise the courage of the victim and their family, and thank them for their support throughout this investigation.

"No result can ever make up for Pickett's crimes but I hope they can begin to move forward knowing that he is serving a long sentence."