Detectives pay tribute to young victim’s courage as child sex offender jailed.

Specialist officers from Cleveland Police’s CAVA Unit (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults) have praised a young victim for their bravery after a man who committed numerous sexual offences against them was jailed.

A third party made a complaint on behalf of the child about Lee Webster (39) last summer, with enquiries revealing he had abused the youngster over a lengthy period of time beginning some years before.

Enquiries began at once, with detectives also putting safeguarding and support measures in place for the victim and family.

In June this year our colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised 14 charges against Webster including sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activities.

Webster appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court at the end of July where he pleaded guilty to all but one charge.

Today (Monday 18^th September) he was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, a lifetime SHPO (sexual harm prevention order) and restraining order.

Webster will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register and be subject to stringent conditions and monitoring on his release.

Officer in the Case CAVA Detective Sergeant Claire Baker said: “The victim was extremely brave to report this and dealt with the circumstances and lengthy investigation extremely well.  They are a real inspiration and I share the family’s immense pride in them.  I hope today’s result will bring a degree of comfort and I wish them all well.”

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Waterfield added: “Webster carried out his despicable and systematic abuse over a long period of time, beginning around the initial lockdown period.

“As soon as we were made aware of his offending my specialist officers began their detailed enquiries while ensuring the victim and family were supported and kept updated.

“Today’s result should reassure anyone affected by such offending that we will do all we can to bring perpetrators before the court.”