Family's pain after young girl sexually assaulted

The mother of a girl sexually assaulted by a predatory 30-year-old man said there was "no magic wand" to cure their pain.

Charles Benson-Clark, from Clavering, near Saffron Walden in Essex, was arrested in September 2022 after inappropriate messages were found on the young victim's phone.

He was jailed for six-and-a-half years on 21 November after admitting a series of sexual offences at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The victim's mother said she was glad justice had been served after an "extremely challenging" time.

Benson-Clark refused to answer questions after his arrest, Essex Police said.

He was charged after a lengthy investigation and went on to admit four offences of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

The victim's mum added: "There is no magic wand. The impact has been far-reaching and getting justice will help as we move forward.

"My child did not feel like she could tell me what was happening to her due to his [Benson-Clark's) manipulative actions and that's something I want to help change," the victim's mother continued.

"I don't want anyone else's child to go through something like this and I hope to find a way of supporting others going forward."

The victim, who cannot be named, was praised for her courage by Det Con George Lakey, who led the investigation.

He said: "Benson-Clark's predatory behaviour was abhorrent.

"He knew his victim was underage - he was manipulative and was only interested in himself throughout.

"I hope this sentence encourages others to come forward and report any offending to us."

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