THE mother of a "brave" girl who was sexually abused has urged other victims of sexual offences to report them to police.

Jason Hill, 28, of Steam Mill Road, Bradfield, was jailed for six years after he admitted to 13 counts of sexual activity with a child.

He had abused a girl between 2019 and 2020.

Following his sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, the victim’s mother has told of the impact the case has had on her and the victim.

She said: “The impact of this has been so damaging, I can never understand how someone could do this.

“As a mum I have tried my best to support my daughter from the moment I found out and it’s been my job as her mum to protect and support her and be there for her.

“I felt like I’d let her down as a mum as I couldn’t protect her.

“These types of people don’t come with labels on. They are clever they are calculated and manipulating.

“Please always go with your gut look out for red flags.

“But the support from Det Con Eden Quinn and her team has been very good.

"Even at times when things were extremely challenging, they were there to support us as a family.

“From the start up till now they have been great.”

She also urged other victims of sexual offences to report them to the police: “Anyone that reads this and that has suffered or is suffering from someone abusing them mentally, physically or sexually must speak to someone!

“Please don’t keep it in, as you will be ok, you will get help and they will be dealt with. The police are so good at helping you get the justice you deserve.

“It must be frightening but you must speak out to protect yourself and others.

“Don’t let anyone try and force your silence as it will never go away.

“Please just contact the police they will support you and your family.

“We as a family can hopefully move forward and we all know my daughter is safe and we are safe.

“It will take time for my daughter to recover but she is also in good hands with professionals.

“I do think the public need to be more aware of the time frame, work and the legal process they have to follow and deal with too as it’s not like the tv inform us of or lead us to believe.”

Det Con Eden Quinn, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I want to praise the victim and her family for the incredible courage they have shown.

“It took a huge amount of bravery to come forward and report what had happened.

“She is an incredible young lady.

“Jason Hill is a manipulative sexual predator and tried to minimise his behaviour, shifting blame on the victim.

“This was absolutely abhorrent and I’m pleased his now behind bars.

“I hope this sentencing will help the victim and her family move forward.”

The victim estimated there had been between 40 to 50 different occasions when sexual activity took place.

The court heard the police were contacted in February and interviewed Hill, of Steam Mill Road, Bradfield, who made limited admissions.

Lynne Shirley, mitigating, said Hill had accepted responsibility from the outset and had been a man of previous good character.

In police interview, the predator said he found the victim “pretty for her age”.

Hill added he was “quite happy to take whatever gets thrown at him, I deserve it”.