A man from Southend who police considered a “dangerous sexual risk” has been jailed after multiple instances of predatory behaviour.

Jason Sweeney, 25 of Chelmsford Avenue, Southend has been jailed for four years and three months after demonstrating multiple instances of predatory behaviour and repeatedly breaching a court order placed on him.

The order was secured by Essex Police Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO).

Sweeney first came to the attention of Essex Police in 2020, when he had caused concerns around his behaviour towards children and vulnerable adults.

The force issued Sweeney with a Child Abduction Notice, an early intervention tool to prevent predatory behaviour from an adult.

Officers also secured a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on Sweeney and following a routine check on August 28 2020, he was arrested on suspicion of six counts of breaching this as well as two counts of not complying with his sexual offender notification requirements, which had also been imposed on him.

Following his arrest, investigating officers identified evidence of sexual offences which Sweeney committed against children.

He was charged with eight offences relating to the breaches whilst MOSOVO continued to investigate the further offences including engaging in sexual communication with a child and meeting a girl under 16-years following grooming.

He admitted the offences and was jailed for eight months for the breaches.

Echo: Jason Sweeney. Photo: Essex PoliceJason Sweeney. Photo: Essex Police (Image: Essex Police)

Just two weeks after being released from prison on license in February 2021, Sweeney continued to demonstrate dangerous and predatory behaviour.

Essex Police’s MOSOVO conducted a risk assessment and found Sweeney had come out of prison and almost immediately began to groom a young female victim.

He was arrested again and charged with breaching his sexual harm prevention order.

Sweeney was recalled to prison where he served the rest of his original sentence and then remained in custody on remand.

On Friday September 30, Sweeney appeared at Basildon Crown Court and was sentenced to four years and three months imprisonment.

He has also been subjected to a Sexual Offender Notification for life and issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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."

He added: “The victims in this investigation demonstrated their bravery, by speaking to the police and supporting with our prosecution.”