Saxmundham man jailed for rape and sexual assault of a child

A 40-year-old man from Saxmundham has been given a 16-year sentence after being found guilty of a number of sexual offences against a child, including rape.

Benjamin Powell appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 17 January where he was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence period of one year.

He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Powell stood accused of seven offences, all of which he denied, but he was found guilty of all the following counts on 11 November last year, following a six-day trial:

• Rape of a child under 13
• Attempted rape of a child under 13
• Assault a child under 13 by penetration
• Three offences of sexual assault of a child under 13
• Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences were all against one victim - a girl aged between 10 and 11 years-old - and occurred over a period of two years during the 2010s.

Detective Constable Kim Shrubsall said: “The crimes committed by Benjamin Powell were truly abhorrent and he has destroyed the childhood of the victim. He has now received a significant prison term and this reflects the severity of his offending.  

“I want to pay tribute to the victim for her bravery in working with us to secure his conviction. The trauma and psychological harm he has caused her is significant, but I hope now she can begin the process of rebuilding her life.”