A PAEDOPHILE has been convicted of a string of sexual offences including raping a child in south Essex.

Brett Baker appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday where, following a week-long trial, he was convicted of sexually abusing a child.

Essex Police received a report on January 27 of a child being sexually assaulted at a property in Grays.

Baker was arrested the next day and was released on bail to allow specialist child abuse detectives to conduct further inquiries.

The victim couldn’t verbalise the abuse at first but eventually told police officers she had been abused on multiple occasions.

Forensic tests also uncovered Baker’s DNA in his victim’s underwear, Essex Police said.

The 33-year-old denied raping a girl under the age of 13, three counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and one count of sexually assaulting a child.

He was found guilty of all counts on Tuesday by a jury at Basildon Crown Court.

DC Jeffery Wainman said: “The victim was under ten years old at the time she was abused and it’s difficult to comprehend the suffering that Baker has caused her.

“I would like to commend the officers in this case, who have spent hours analysing distressing evidence to secure this conviction against Baker.

“Our child abuse investigation team continue to work closely with partners including social care to protect vulnerable children and investigate child abuse.”

Baker, of River View, Grays, will appear at Basildon Crown Court on June 28 for sentencing.