Albert Kirk

Albert Kirk, a 68-year-old man from Fal Drive in Witham, Essex, has been sentenced to 24 years' imprisonment for a series of historical child sex offences committed against three young victims. The offences, which spanned from the 1980s to the 2010s, took place in Chelmsford and Witham, and involved severe sexual abuse that profoundly impacted the victims' lives.

Kirk initially denied all 26 charges but was found guilty on every count following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 October 2021. The convictions included three counts of rape, three counts of attempted rape, 12 counts of sexual assault, six counts of indecent assault, one count of assault by penetration, and one count of indecency with a child. These acts were perpetrated against three children, highlighting a pattern of predatory behaviour over several decades.

• Three counts of rape: Involving direct sexual penetration without consent.
• Three counts of attempted rape: Attempts to commit rape on the victims.
• 12 counts of sexual assault: Various non-penetrative sexual touches and acts.
• Six counts of indecent assault: Older terminology for sexual assaults committed before legal changes.
• One count of assault by penetration: Using an object or part of the body to penetrate the victims.
• One count of indecency with a child: Inappropriate sexual conduct towards a minor.

One of the anonymous victims shared a poignant statement after the sentencing, expressing the lasting trauma: 'I thought after the court hearing I would feel a bit better, but I don’t and it has badly affected my mental health. What he did has affected my whole life and has impacted my physical health too. I can’t hold a relationship down and it’s affected relationships with my family.' The victim also urged others to come forward, believing Kirk may have abused additional children who have yet to report, and highlighted the need for better support services for survivors.

Detective Constable Siobhann Murphy from Essex Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team paid tribute to the victims' courage: 'I want to pay tribute to the courage of the victims abused by Albert Kirk. It has taken incredible bravery to report what has happened to them and re-live that ordeal. It has had a profound affect on them and I hope seeing Kirk brought to justice because of their courageousness will help them move forward.' The investigation was supported by officers including DC Eden Quinn, and Investigation Support Officers Alexandra Head and Gavin Hallett.

The sentencing occurred in November 2021 at Chelmsford Crown Court, with Kirk receiving 24 years in custody plus one year on extended licence. This case underscores Essex Police's commitment to pursuing historical child sex offences, ensuring perpetrators face justice regardless of the time elapsed. The source for this information is a news article published by Greatest Hits Radio Essex on 15 November 2021, authored by Helen Down.