Basildon sex offender sentenced to four and a half years
Harrison Hawkins appeared before Basildon Crown Court yesterday.
A Basildon sex offender has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for a string of offences.
Harrison Hawkins, 37, of Kings Road, Steeple View, Basildon, was sentenced to a total of 54 months in prison (4 and a half years).
At the same court in May, Hawkins admitted three counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, two counts of taking indecent images of a child, and one count of possession of extreme pornographic material.
Officers launched an investigation in June 2020 after receiving reports of indecent images of a child on Hawkins’ phone.
Then, allegations of sexual abuse were put to Hawkins in November 2021 after the victim bravely told officers from our Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) about further incidents.
Hawkins was interviewed about these allegations and replied “no comment” when questioned.
He was subsequently charged and pleaded not guilty to all charges but changed his plea to guilty midway through the trial.
The mother of the victim said she and her daughter now have a future because of the support they have had from Essex Police and others.
“We have been believed and I would say to anyone else who finds themselves in this position to go to the police and report it. You will be listened to and treated with respect.
"It feels like a black cloud has been lifted from over our heads and we can start to rebuild our lives.”
He was sentenced to 54 months behind bars for sexual assault of a child and 24 months behind bars for two further counts of sexual assault on a child.
He was also jailed for nine months for each count of taking indecent images of a child and three months for possession of an extreme pornographic image.
All the sentences will run concurrently.
He was also given a 10-year restraining order and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The court also ordered forfeiture and destruction of devices connected to images and to pay a victim surcharge of £120.
He has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Detective Constable Ian Burgess, who led the investigation, said: “This sentence reflects the gravity of Hawkins’ offending.
"I want to pay tribute to the victim and her family who has been through an awful ordeal. They have displayed immense courage and dignity throughout.
"I hope today’s result brings some closure for them.”
Synergy Essex provides support and guidance for survivors of sexual and sexual abuse across Essex.
The Essex Rape Crisis Partnership is formed of three organisations:
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) who cover mid and north Essex.
SERICC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service) who cover South and West Essex.
SOS Rape Crisis who cover Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.
Survivors can self-refer and receive emotional support, specialist sexual violence and abuse counselling and or specialist advocacy services, no matter when the sexual violence or abuse occurred. In addition to this, they also offer support to survivor’s loved ones.