MICHAEL SCOTT FROM GRAYS SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN ESSEX

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Grays, Essex, Michael Scott, aged 37, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to the indecent assault of a four-year-old girl. The incident occurred just six months after Scott was released from prison, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of his previous sentence and supervision.

According to court proceedings, the assault took place in June when the young girl was outside her home, playing near Scott's flat on Seabrooke Rise. The girl was in the process of disposing of some litter when Scott suddenly emerged from his residence and committed the indecent act. The girl’s screams drew the attention of a nearby woman, prompting Scott to flee the scene quickly. Authorities responded swiftly, and Scott was apprehended shortly thereafter.

During police interviews, Scott admitted that he had gone downstairs with the intent of seeking out a young girl, revealing a troubling pattern of behavior. The court heard that Scott had a history of sexual offenses against children, which he found difficult to control, and that he was on licence at the time of the latest attack. Scott had previously served a four-year prison sentence after admitting to three counts of indecent assault on children, committed between August 1995 and June 1996. One of these incidents involved him grabbing a girl and attempting to drag her into his home.

His prior offenses led to an additional year being added to his sentence for breaching licence conditions, and he was released from prison in December 1997. Despite this, he reoffended shortly after his release, prompting his current conviction and sentencing. The court was informed that Scott was assaulted by others following the latest incident, highlighting the volatile circumstances surrounding his case.

Defence lawyer Abigail Dean acknowledged Scott’s struggles, stating, “This defendant finds it very difficult to control the sexual desires he has towards children. He was assaulted quite violently just after this offence took place, which brought home to him how these offences are regarded.” The judge’s decision to impose a five-year jail term reflects the gravity of the offense and the ongoing concerns about public safety and the management of offenders like Scott in the community.