PATRICK WAKEFIELD AND HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ESSEX
A detective from Essex Police has publicly commended the remarkable bravery shown by two young victims who provided crucial testimony during the trial of Patrick Wakefield, a man convicted of severe child sex offenses.Detective Constable James Fowler, who is part of the Child Abuse Investigation Team in Essex, emphasized the heinous nature of Wakefield’s actions.
The 52-year-old offender, whose residence is listed as Twyford Avenue, Great Wakering, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty by a court of law.
His conviction followed a detailed trial during which he was proven to have committed multiple child sex crimes, notably including two counts of rape.
Court proceedings revealed that Wakefield’s actions left his young victims with deep emotional and physical scars.
The presiding judge, Ian Graham, did not hold back in condemning Wakefield’s predatory behavior.
The judge remarked, “You used your interest in photography to manipulate these girls and gain unsupervised access to them.
You bought them gifts and provided money to facilitate your abusive conduct.” The judge further accused Wakefield of attempting to manipulate the situation by invoking false remorse, suggesting that real remorse would have been demonstrated through admission of guilt that could have spared the victims from enduring a lengthy and painful court process.
The court heard how Wakefield exploited his position and trust to commit these crimes, leaving the victims severely traumatized.
During mitigation, solicitor Christopher Martin explained that Wakefield’s troubled childhood, marked by poverty, had profoundly affected his life and possibly contributed to his criminal behavior.
Following the conviction, Detective Fowler expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Patrick Wakefield has been justly sentenced for his reprehensible actions.” He went on to highlight the disturbing nature of Wakefield’s conduct, which included forcing his victims to testify against him by denying all allegations.
In addition to the prison sentence, Wakefield has been designated a registered sex offender and will be under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
This order aims to restrict him from having any contact with children, serving as a preventive measure to safeguard others in the community.
Detective Fowler took the opportunity to commend the resilience and courage of the victims, saying, “I want to commend both victims for their extraordinary bravery in coming forward, reporting their abuse, and giving evidence in court.
Their strength has played a vital role in ensuring this offender was held accountable and prevented from harming other children.” He also expressed hope that the prison sentence would provide some measure of closure for the victims and their families.
Both victims and their families have conveyed their sincere gratitude for the efforts of the police team and the judicial system throughout the lengthy investigation.
Finally, Detective Fowler issued a call to other victims of abuse, urging them to step forward and seek help.
“If you have concerns or have been subjected to abuse, please know that you will be supported by our specialized units.
Reporting abuse is a crucial step in protecting yourself and others from harm,” he concluded.
