A dangerous offender who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl has been handed an extended 21year sentence. Dominic Boultwood, 28, lured his victim to a wooded area of Bourne Valley Nature Reserve, Colchester, on May 9, 2024. After engaging her in a sexual conversation and confirming her age, he pulled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

Already a convicted sex offender, Boultwood warned the girl on several occassions not to report him to police or tell anyone what happened. When she returned home, she quickly confided in a friend and Essex Police were subsequently alerted. They launched an immediate investigation, putting specialist support in place for the girl and carrying out urgent enquiries.

Boultwood ended up bring linked to the crime through DNA discovered on the victim's clothing.

He stood trial at Ipswich Crown Court in March last year, also facing a charge of making indecent images of children following a previous examination of his mobile phone.

Officers had found a number of sexualised images of children aged between three and 13. He was convicted of all the offences.

Boultwood was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday to 13 years' imprisonment and an additional eight years on extended licence.

He will remain subject to indefinite notification requirements and a renewed Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a lifelong restraining order to protect the victim.

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Judge Martyn Levett said Boultwood "manipulated a very young girl to fulfil his sexual desire".

The mother of the victim, who must remain anonymous, said: "Officers were amazing. I know these things are scary but the sooner you speak out the quicker police can get the person and hopefully, in time, give closure.

"It may take a while, but patience is important. These things may not affect you instantly, but they will long term.

"Everyone needs to speak out and everyone needs to feel safe so maybe we do need to see more of a presence in quiet, enclosed areas."