A MAN has been jailed for 15 years, following an investigation by Essex detectives to historic sex offences that took place in Basildon.

Richard Oliver, 51 of Frobisher Way, Jaywick appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, 23 November where he was sentenced after being found guilty in October this year of nine offences including rape.

The investigation was launched in September 2020, when two women reported to Essex Police that they had been sexually abused between 2005 and 2015.

Oliver was arrested shortly after the report and denied all allegations against him.

Despite this, he was charged with nine offences including one count of rape of a girl and four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.

Throughout the investigation, the two women received support from our specialist partner agencies.

He was found guilty of all counts on Friday, 20 October.

Detective Constable Leanne Howes, from Essex Police's Child Sexual Exploitation proactive investigation team said: "Oliver refused to admit to what he had done, putting these two victims through a three-year investigation and two-week court trial.

"Despite this being extremely difficult for them, these victims have demonstrated strength throughout the entire proceedings and I would like to thank them for this.

"It doesn't matter when an offence takes place, if you are a victim, we can get you justice."