REECE PARK SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ROBBERY AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CHELMSFORD

In a case that has shocked the community of Chelmsford, Reece Park, a man in his 30s, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after committing a violent robbery and sexual assault against a woman near Mill Lane. The incident, which took place in September 2023, prompted a swift police response and subsequent investigation that culminated in Park’s arrest and conviction.

According to police reports, the victim, a dog walker, was attacked while walking in the vicinity of Mill Lane. She sustained a head injury and an injury to her ear, which later required stitches, along with bruising on her back. The woman recounted to officers that she was approached unexpectedly by a stranger who immediately began striking her repeatedly in the head, causing her to fall to the ground in shock and pain.

The assailant, who was not known to her, then demanded to know where she kept her money. Without hesitation, he searched her person by hand, during which he also sexually assaulted her. Despite her efforts to stand up and escape, the attacker struck her again in the head, forcing her back to the ground. The assailant then fled the scene in the direction of Mill Lane, taking her mobile phone with him.

Reece Park was eventually located and arrested at an address in Witham nearly a week after the assault. During police interviews, he chose not to comment but did admit to the robbery. However, he denied the sexual assault, leading to a trial scheduled for August. On the day of the trial, Park changed his stance and admitted to the sexual assault charge.

At Chelmsford Crown Court in October, Park was handed an extended sentence of eight years in prison, followed by five years on extended licence. Additionally, he was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order that will prohibit any contact with the victim indefinitely. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crime and the need to protect the community from such violent offenders.

Detective Constable Gemma Hicks of Chelmsford CID commented on the case, stating, "Park is a violent sexual predator who is rightly now facing a significant custodial sentence. This was a terrifying attack and sexual assault, inflicted on a total stranger, which immediately warranted an urgent police response." The case underscores the importance of swift law enforcement action in addressing violent crimes and protecting vulnerable individuals in the community.