A Chadwell Heath paedophile has been locked up for child sex offences.

Tyrese Smith, 20, of Grove Road, was given an extended seven-year sentence and deemed a risk to the public after a probe by Essex and Met Police.

Charges secured against Smith by officers from both forces included sexual communication with a child, possessing indecent images of children and three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Essex Police started conducting enquiries after concerns were raised over reported sexual activity between Smith and a child in the Tilbury area last year.

This was after Smith had breached his bail conditions imposed by the Met Police.

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Officers contacted the victim and arrested Smith on November 27, 2023 after carrying out several enquiries.

They seized forensic exhibits from the victim’s address to help with the probe, offering the victim specialist support.

Smith was heard saying he feared being jailed just hours before his arrest.

He answered no questions initially during his interview, the force added, but later admitted to all charges at Basildon Crown Court due to the evidence gathered by officers.

He appeared at the court on Wednesday (February 28) where he was sentenced to serve four years and eight months in a young offenders’ institution, before being subject to an extended period on licence of two years and four months.

An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed on him along with the requirements of having his electronic devices monitored as a registered sex offender to prohibit his contact with children.

An indefinite restraining order will strictly ban further contact with the victim.

Temporary Det Con Matthew D Edson, the officer in the case, said: “Smith groomed, exploited and took advantage of a child for his own sexual gratification.

He said: “Thankfully the court shared our view – that the impact on the victim in this case has been profound and long-lasting.

“As such Smith will rightly serve an extended sentence.

“The orders that will be in place after his release from prison will ensure he is monitored and kept away from young people in the future."

He also praised Smith’s victim for showing “great maturity and dignity” in coping with the pressures of seeing this case concluded, and their family for supporting the victim throughout.

“Support is readily available for any victims of sexual offending, regardless of age, both through our specialist teams and partners”, he added.