A PITSEA man has been found guilty of 28 sexual offences involving four children.

Matthew Rivett had been charged with multiple counts including rape and assault by penetration and, following a trial at Basildon Crown Court, he was convicted of 28 of the charges on 31 October.

The children were sexually abused between 2002 and 2019 in Pitsea and Canvey Island.

The abuse came to light when some of the offences were reported to police in 2020 and further allegations were reported the following year.

During police investigations, one of the victims disclosed the 43 year-old had filmed some of the abuse.

With each victim, the abuse took place over the course of several years.

Rivett, of Stokefelde, Pitsea, was charged with 29 offences in total and was convicted of 28.

He's due to be sentenced atBasildon Crown Court on 6 January 2023.

Investigating officer PC Nick Scheider, from the Basildon Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "The victims in this case have demonstrated great strength to report and re-tell the horrendous ordeal Matthew Rivett subjected them to.

"It is difficult to imagine what they have been through, and their experience has and is likely to have a profound impact on their lives.

"Rivett has now been held to account for the awful crimes he has committed and now faces the prospect of a significant amount of time in prison.

"No conviction or sentence can undo the damage he has done, but I hope this will help all those affected to move forward."

Support is there for anyone 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 all genders across 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 from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.  

Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy. For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.  

For more information visit https://synergyessex.org.uk/