A man from Southend has been found guilty of multiple sexual offences against a young girl. 

Daniel O’Brien, 38 of Kursaal Way, Southend appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Monday April 22 where he was found guilty of multiple sexual offences including three counts of rape of a girl under 16.

The offences took place between 2017 and 2019 and were reported to police in November 2021.

O’Brien was arrested and denied all allegations when interviewed.

He was charged on March 9 with three counts of rape of a girl under 16, two counts of sexual assault on a female and two counts of assault by penetration.

Following a two-week trial, a jury found him guilty on all counts.

O’Brien was remanded into custody and will appear at Basildon Crown Court on June 27 for sentencing.

Following the conviction, the victim said: “I hope that this will help others to know that it’s okay to speak up and be heard even though it may be hard.

“You will be believed and supported and you do not have to suffer in silence, feeling like you’re alone, because you’re not.”

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Victoria Leese, from Essex Police’s child abuse investigation team said: “The victim found incredible strength to report and was extremely resilient throughout the investigation and court process.

“Whilst she will never forget what happened to her, I hope that she is able to start moving forward and knows that her strength has meant that O’Brien is not able to harm anyone else.”