Paedophile Remains “Ongoing Threat”

A CONVICTED child abuser from Leigh has been described by police as a “significant and ongoing threat” after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences.
Scott Layfield, 53, of Paddock Close, Leigh, was convicted of 26 offences, including rape and sexual assault at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, May 1.
The charges relate to offences against six girls between 2011 and 2021, mainly in the Rayleigh area.
Layfield was arrested in April 2022 and interviewed, where he denied the allegations.
He also denied them at court but due to the testimony of the girls who bravely told police what had happened, and the evidence officers were able to compile, he was found guilty.
His trial heard how he swapped text messages with one of the girls before telling her to delete all the messages, invited her to his home, and took her to a hotel.
The jury also heard how Layfield told one of the girls that no-one would believe her if she told them what happened.
He’s due to be sentenced at the same court on 30 July.
Speaking after the conviction, investigating officer, PC, Nick Schneider said: “Scott Layfield told one of the girls he abused that no one would believe her, but he did not account for Essex Police.
“If someone has the courage to come forward and report the abuse they have faced, we listen to them, we support them, and we investigate.
“I want to praise the bravery shown by the six girls in this case.
“Scott Layfield subjected them to an awful ordeal, but they have stood up against him, and their testimony has ensured we’ve been able to bring him to justice.
“Layfield poses a significant and ongoing threat to children, and I am pleased our work has ensured he is facing a prolonged period of time in prison. “
PC Schneider urges anyone who was abused by Layfield to get in touch with Essex Police.
He said: “I believe there may be other people who are abused by Layfield, and if they are, I urge you to come forward.”
Reports can be submitted online at www.essex.police.uk/digital101, or by the live chat service, which is available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously by a Crime Stoppers by visiting their website or calling 0800555111.
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