A VILE paedophile has been jailed for almost two decades and placed on the sex offenders register for life after being convicted of "horrendous" sexual offences against a child.

Daniel Carroll, of Westbourne Grove, Westcliff, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday where he was jailed for 19 years.

The 45-year-old was charged in February 2023 with two counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of rape of a child over 13, three counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act and three counts of multiple possession of indecent images of children.

Following a search of Carroll’s home, police discovered mobile phones and computers which contained category A images, the most serious prohibited images of children.

Carroll was found guilty of the nine offences following a three-week trial which concluded on June 11 at Basildon Crown Court.

The jury came to their decision in just 90 minutes.

Investigating officer det con Christopher Sedgwick said: “The strength that this young woman has shown to report Carroll and work with us during the two-and a half year investigation is nothing short of admirable.

“She has lived everyday since reporting in fear her assailant would find her and confront her. Her bravery and maturity despite having gone through the most horrible of crimes is admirable in the extreme and shows an enormous strength of character.

“From the point of the investigation beginning, Carroll has done everything he can to deny the offence and disrupt the process and attempted to de-rail the hearing, causing additional stress that this victim did not deserve.”

Following the conviction, the victim said: “I hoped every day that when this is all over, I can begin to concentrate on me.

“I want to work on getting better and looking after myself and just maybe I have a chance of not living in constant fear and anxiety now knowing that everyone knows what Carroll is.

“I cannot thank DC Sedgwick enough for all the work he has done, and helping me and my family throughout.”