A Basildon man who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl who was on her way home from school has been jailed.

Seya Mohammed, 19 of Clayburn Circle, Basildon, was found guilty of two serious sexual offences including rape following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Mohammed was arrested on November 28 last year after a 15-year-old girl disclosed that she had been raped while walking home from school in Harlow two months prior. 

Following his arrest, Mohammed’s phone was seized and his messages indicated his involvement.

He was charged with rape of a girl under the age of 16 and sexual assault on a girl 13 or over.

He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on September 16 where he received a six-year custodial sentence in a Young Offenders Institute.

He will spend a further three years on extended license.

Mohammed was also issued with a restraining order and put on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Gary Mills said: “The investigative work to get this case to the court was a long process but was made possible by the strength the victim demonstrated.

“Mohammed pleaded not guilty, meaning that the victim in this case had to go through the difficult trial process.

“Our Child Abuse Investigation Team were committed to getting justice, as we are with every case and I am pleased that our work means Mohammed cannot put anyone else in danger.

“In this case, the victim was not in the position to report until they disclosed to a close friend two months later. It’s a common misconception that to get justice in sexual offences investigations, that the incident must be reported right away.

“We appreciate that this is not always possible and if you have been subjected to sexual assault, we will always investigate to the best of our abilities, no matter how recent.

“If you are a victim or survivor and want guidance or advice around what you have been through, there are a number of support services available to you in Essex.”