Offender’s 10-year Sentence

A LEIGH man has been given a 10-year sentence following an investigation into his violent and sexual offending.
Joseph Pennycook, now 22, threatened to kill a teenage girl and sexually abused her.
He had denied the allegations but was convicted, following a trial at Southend Crown Court, of sexual assault by penetration, two charges of intentional strangulation, making threats to kill, coercive and controlling behaviour and harassment.
Essex Police launched an investigation in January 2025 after the survivor contacted them to report his offending. Pennycook, of Danbury Close, Leigh, was arrested. He denied all the allegations put to him but was subsequently charged.
At the same court on Tuesday 23 June he was jailed eight years, with a further two years on extended licence.
He is subject to a restraining order in relation to the survivor and witnesses. He has also been placed on the sexual offenders register for life.
After the sentencing the survivor in this case said: “I don’t know what to say to try and find the right words to show the impact of what has happened to me.
“I was always watching over my shoulder. There is no excuse for what he has done, and it will always impact me.
“I am working hard to rebuild my confidence; I found it hard to get work and my mental and physical health has been severely impacted.
“I’m happy that I stood up and spoke up for myself. He lied, but he is now behind bars and I’m working hard to start my life again.”
Officer in the case Detective Constable Aaron Aujia said: “I want to pay tribute to the survivor in this case.
“She showed remarkable bravery to speak up after suffering these heinous crimes. Pennycook is a dangerous individual and is rightly serving a lengthy custodial sentence.
“Violence against women and girls has no place in Essex, and tackling these offences remains one of our highest priorities. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing offenders, supporting victims and survivors, and working with partners to prevent harm before it happens.
“We know the devastating impact these crimes have on individuals, families and communities, which is why we continue to invest in specialist investigations, safeguarding and prevention activity.
“Our message is clear: if you commit offences against women and girls, we will do everything in our power to identify you, build the strongest possible case, and bring you before the courts. At the same time, we will continue to listen to victims, put their needs at the heart of our response, and work to make Essex a safer place for everyone.”
Free independent specialist services for survivors of sexual violence and sexual abuse in Essex, Southend on Sea and Thurrock, Synergy Essex offers free, confidential help to anyone affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence – whether it happened recently or in the past.
Synergy Essex is made up of three specialist services: (CARA) Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service, (SOSRC) Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis.
You don’t need to report anything to the police to get support. You can contact Synergy Essex directly, or ask someone you trust, like a friend, family member or professional, to refer you. Specialist Support is available for all ages and includes: Counselling (in person, online or by phone), Emotional and practical help, Information from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers if you choose to or are considering reporting a crime.
Their First Contact Navigator team can talk you through your options and help you get started (0300 003 7777).
To find out more about Synergy Essex, Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Services visit: https://synergyessex.org.uk/
Picture: Joseph Pennycook
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
X : @leighonsea_news
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news
Contact us: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us
Email: [email protected]