A GRAYS MAN who admitted sexual activity with a child has been jailed for four years.
Benjamin Lisgarten, 31, of no fixed address, appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on June 28, to answer two charges of non-penetrative sexual activity with a child under 13.
The case was referred to Basildon Crown Court, and on July 26 he admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child.
On Monday October 24 he was given a custodial sentence sentence of four years and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order.
The abuse happened on two occasions between April and October 2007 in Grays.
Detective Constable Martin North from our Child Abuse Investigation Team said:
“The offences were reported to Essex Police in late December 2016, around nine years after they took place, and happened when the victim was a very young child.
“There is no time limit for these type of offences and Essex police will always investigate them fully regardless of how long ago they occurred.
“I would like to personally thank the victim and her family for believing in Essex Police and for having the courage to support this investigation.
“She displayed immense courage throughout and remained patient while the investigation progressed. I hope today’s sentencing provides her with some comfort and satisfaction.”
An NSPCC spokeswoman said: “Lisgarten thought his repugnant crimes would go unnoticed, but his victim’s brave decision to report him means he is now behind bars.
“Many children who are abused at a young age don’t realise what’s happening to them is wrong, or feel unable to speak about it, and only feel empowered to report what has happened to them later on in life.
“So, it is absolutely vital that youngsters are taught to recognise and report abuse – the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign helps parents and carers teach their children that their body belongs to them, they have the right to say no, and to tell someone they trust if they’re ever worried about anything.”
Adult survivors of child abuse can call the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000 for help and support. Children can call Childline for help on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.
