POLICE officers called to a man stumbling on the carriageway of a busy main road in Basildon quickly arrested him after finding out he had fled the scene of a sexual assault.

Dean Peck claimed he was running from danger and strenuously denied sexually assaulting a young girl.

However, in September 2024, nearly four years after the incident, the 38-year-old admitted two child sexual offences when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court.

And on Wednesday, February 26 this year, at the same court, he was jailed for more than five years and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

This week the mother of his young victim spoke about the impact this assault has had on her daughter.

"This was a really traumatic incident and the impact will stay with her for life. She lost all her confidence and trust in people. She went through something no little girl should go through.

"We're pleased he has been jailed, for the first time since this happened she wanted to go out for a little bit with her friends.

"I do want to thank the officers in this case who have been really kind and supportive throughout the investigation. 

"They made her feel comfortable to talk about what she had been through and her counsellor was amazing and always on the end of the phone to answer our questions.

"I hope no other family has to go through what we have, but please know that if you do the police and other services will support you throughout."

Peck, of Pound Lane, Exmouth, Devon, formerly from Essex, was charged in January 2023 with attempted rape of a girl under 13; cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity (non-penetration) and assault a girl under 13 by touching.

He denied the attempted rape charge and this was allowed to lie on file.

He was sentenced to 62 months in prison and given an indefinite restraining order in relation to other two offences.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In relation to a separate incident he admitted possession of a bladed article and was jailed for six months to run consecutively with the other sentences.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jane Grieve said: "I want to commend the incredible strength and courage of the survivor throughout this difficult investigation.

"I hope the sentence Peck has received will help her as she moves forward with her life.

"Nobody should have to go through something like, but I hope that anyone else who has been a victim of sexual offences feels empowered to come forward and report them to us."