MICHAEL PENA-BRIGGS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CAMBRIDGE
A man previously employed as a teaching assistant has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.The incident came to light when Essex Police, specifically officers from the child abuse investigation teams (CAIT), responded to a report of the offence in March 2019.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Michael Pena-Briggs, was subsequently taken into custody shortly after the report was received.
Following his arrest, authorities launched a detailed and complicated investigation into the allegations.
As a result of their efforts, Pena-Briggs was formally charged in October 2019 with the sexual assault of a young child.
The legal process involved a lengthy series of court proceedings, starting with a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in May 2021.
However, that initial trial ended without a verdict due to a hung jury, leaving the case unresolved.
Undeterred, prosecutors pursued a retrial, which commenced last month.
The second trial was swift and decisive, with the jury taking less than two hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict.
This conviction marked a significant moment for justice in the case.
On the same day as the verdict, Pena-Briggs was sentenced to four years in prison by the court.
Additionally, he was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
Detective Sergeant Stuart Pryke, who led the investigation, commented on the case, emphasizing the gravity of such offences, especially when committed by individuals entrusted with care or authority.
He stated, “Offences of this kind will always be shocking and disturbing, particularly when that person is in a position of trust.
This will undoubtedly be difficult news for the local community but please be assured that our teams and partners have safeguarded and supported all those involved in the investigation.
The victim and their family have shown incredible strength and courage throughout this lengthy and complex case.
Everything we do and all the hard work is for them, to make sure that they get the justice they deserve.” The victim’s family also expressed their gratitude for the relentless efforts of law enforcement and support organizations.
They stated, “This has been a long journey but the police and the CPS have been unrelenting in their pursuit of justice.
We are especially grateful to DS Pryke of Essex Police for his commitment and dedication, and to CARA, the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, for their ongoing support.
We hope that by achieving this significant result, other victims and their families will have the confidence to come forward and work with the police so that more offenders can be apprehended and more children protected.”
