Bryn Chittenden

Bryn Chittenden, 51, a landowner from Eye in Suffolk but owning property in St Lawrence Bay, Essex, was convicted of sexual activity with a child and sentenced to six years and three months' imprisonment on September 21, 2017, at Chelmsford Crown Court. He also received a concurrent six-month sentence for making indecent images and movies of children.

Chittenden denied the charges, claiming he believed the 14-year-old girl was 16, but a jury deliberated for just 45 minutes before finding him guilty on August 23, 2017. The court heard evidence of his exploitation of the vulnerable minor, compounded by his possession of child abuse material.

The case was prosecuted by Essex Police, focusing on the defendant's abuse of power over a young, vulnerable victim. Judge's remarks underscored the predatory nature of the offence, contributing to public awareness of child protection in rural and property-owning contexts.