Essex Police launched a child sexual abuse investigation in December 2020 after receiving a report that prompted immediate action by the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT). Patrick Wakefield, aged 51, from Great Wakering, was arrested that same month.
During the investigation, officers discovered disturbing evidence on Wakefield’s digital devices, which raised concerns about the safety of another child. As a result, Wakefield was arrested again on March 3, 2021, and charged with 13 sexual offences involving two young victims, with offences spanning from 2013 to 2019.
Wakefield denied all charges at his court appearance on March 4, choosing to proceed to trial.
Following an eight-day trial that began on January 3 at Basildon Crown Court, the jury found Wakefield guilty on every count. On February 14, he was sentenced to 10 years for raping one girl, plus an additional three years for causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration.
Detective Constable James Fowler of CAIT said, “Patrick Wakefield has been rightly jailed for his despicable actions. He was utterly abhorrent to his victims, even forcing them to give evidence while denying all wrongdoing. He is now a Registered Sex Offender and banned from contacting children via a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.”
He added, “I want to praise the victims for their courage in coming forward and standing strong throughout the judicial process. Their bravery has helped stop this predator from harming others. I hope this sentence brings closure to their families. We urge any victims of abuse to come forward and know they will be supported.”
The full breakdown of Wakefield’s sentence includes:
- 10 years for rape
- 3 years for causing or inciting sexual activity with a child under 13
- Multiple consecutive sentences ranging from 1 to 10 years for sexual assault and related offences
- Three months each for taking and making indecent photos, possessing extreme pornography, and possessing ammunition
Wakefield’s swift imprisonment marks a significant victory for Essex Police in their efforts to protect vulnerable children from predators.
Originally published by UKNIP.
