A 22-year-old man from Colchester has been charged with 39 offences related to child sexual exploitation after a significant Essex Police operation.
Matthew Clarke, who lives on Delamere Road in Colchester, was arrested in November last year when officers from the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Proactive Investigation Team executed a warrant at his home.
Clarke now faces multiple serious charges, including sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault, five counts of inciting a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity, ten counts of inciting a child to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, three counts of sexual activity with a child, five counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, four counts of sexual communication with a child, one count of meeting a child following grooming, six counts of possessing indecent images of children, and one count of blackmail.
He is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 21 May.
The CSE Proactive Investigation Team, established earlier this year, specialises in addressing the most complex and organised cases of child sexual exploitation across Essex. The team investigates both new and historical cases where traditional safeguarding approaches have not been successful.
The team targets both individual offenders and organised groups who groom children online through fake profiles or by enticing them with money and alcohol.
Essex Police employ a combination of reactive investigations based on victim reports and proactive intelligence gathering to identify and prosecute offenders. Collaborations with children’s charities ensure that victims receive tailored support and care plans, allowing them to avoid unnecessary questioning unless they choose to participate.
Members of the public who suspect a child is being groomed or exploited are urged to speak up. They can contact Essex Police by calling 101 or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
