A SEX offender has been convicted of abusing a child over a three-year period 30 years ago.

Laurence Bourne, 68, was accused of abusing a child on numerous occasions in Basildon.

The offences came to light when they were reported to Essex Police in April 2019.

Bourne, of Brackendale Court, Basildon, was arrested in June that year as part of an investigation by Essex Police’s Quest team.

He was later charged with seven counts of indecent assault. 

He denied the charges but was convicted following a trial at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

Bourne is due to be sentenced at the same court on January 29.

And now the victim, who is remaining anonymous, is reaching out to applaud the outstanding police officers who helped to bring him to justice. 

The investigation was carried out by Essex Police’s Quest team which investigates non-recent child sexual abuse.

In a statement, the victim said: “I want to thank the investigating officers for the support I’ve received throughout the process.

“I would encourage any other victims to come forward as there is the support and protection for you which I hadn’t realised there would be.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emily Monk, from the Quest team, said: “Laurence Bourne subjected the child to three years of regular abuse. 

“He exploited the child’s vulnerability for his own gratification with little regard to their wellbeing.

“These offences took place almost 30 years ago and he may have a different life now but he cannot escape his past and we have now brought him to justice for his crimes.

“I want to praise the victim’s courage throughout this process and hope this result will help them to move forward.”

Detective Sergeant Shirley Cole, from Quest, said: “Most of the offences we investigate took place in the 1970s and 1980s but the oldest case took place 65 years ago.”