Southend man jailed for sexual offences
Sweeney will spend more than four years behind bars
An Essex man labelled "dangerous" by police has been jailed for four years and three months for sexual offences.
25 year old Jason Sweeney of Chelmsford Avenue in Southend repeatedly breached a court order designed to stop him reoffending.
He first came to the attention of police in 2020 after he was found to be contacting children and vulnerable adults online.
Officers secured a Sexual Harm Prevention Order against Sweeney which he went on to breach at least six times.
Allegations against him included claims he engaged in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16.
He was jailed for eight months for the breaches but went onto to reoffend just two weeks after his release on licence in February 2021.
He had started to groom a young female victim.
Last Friday (September 30) he appeared at Basildon Crown Court charged with breaching his Sexula Harm Prevention Order and was subsequently jailed.
Investigating Officer, Andrew Hill said “It was clear to our team how much of a risk Sweeney posed to young, vulnerable women.
"He used social media platforms, including Instagram to target his victims, and has proven himself to be a dangerous sexual offender.
“This investigation was complex and we used everything at our disposal to continue ensuring that Sweeney was held accountable and that his victims were correctly safeguarded.
"We worked closely with the other forces involved, including Norfolk Police who also secured a conviction relating to a young person residing in their area.
“Following his initial arrest, the team worked a 36-hour shift, ensuring that those eight charges were authorised, and that Sweeney was remanded.
"I hope this demonstrates the dedication we had to protect his victims."